It is young voices that have always created change. Older voices have legislated them usually but it’s the young voices that have created the pressure for the legislators to respond.
Twenty years of Latitude. Part mission statement, part cultural archive, part collective memory, welcome to our selection for The Most Important Young Voice or Voices .
Greta Thunberg
During the last two decades, Greta Thunberg has embodied the power of one voice to change the world. What began as a solitary school strike outside the Swedish Parliament ignited a global movement, inspiring millions to demand urgent action on the climate crisis. With honesty, courage, and moral clarity, Greta has challenged leaders, mobilised generations, and redefined what it means to speak truth to power. Her impact reaches far beyond environmental activism – she represents the conscience of a generation and a reminder that meaningful change can begin with a single young voice refusing to stay silent.
Malala Yousafzai
Malala Yousafzai stands as one of the most courageous and influential young voices of the past two decades. Rising from extraordinary adversity, she transformed her personal struggle for girls’ education in Pakistan into a global movement for equality, empowerment, and the right to learn. Her words have echoed in classrooms, parliaments, and on the world stage – a reminder of the strength that comes from conviction and compassion. As the youngest-ever Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Malala continues to inspire generations to stand up for education, justice, and hope. Her voice is a testament to resilience and the enduring power of young voices to change the world.
We have determined that in our view, the two young voices that have represented the need for change more than any others in the last 20 years are Greta Thunberg and Malala Yousafzai. They would be our joint winners. However, we will determine the final decision on December 1st this year, taking your responses into account and will work our socks off to ensure that the winner(s) will attend the festival next year.
We look forward to receiving your vote and hearing your conversation on The Most Important Young Voice or Voices over the last 20 years.
20 years of Latitude, 20 Years of the most important moments to discuss
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