A world without borders is a better world and global citizenship is the way of the future; That’s what I believe and the millennials from around the world.
This was also revealed in a recent study commissioned by Western Union, which surveyed more than 10,000 millennials from at least 15 countries, including the U.S.A., India and Russia, about their beliefs and hopes for the future. This group comprised native, first-generation and foreign-born men and women in their mid-20s to early 30s.
Western Union also hosted a round table discussion at ISDI Mumbai to discuss the key insights of the survey and millennial interests and aspirations. I was honored to be a part of the round table discussion as a Millenial and a Global citizen. Other participants in the round-table discussion were Pooja Dhingra, entrepreneur and founder of Le15 Patisserie; Karishma Mehta, founder of Humans of Bombay; Siddharth Shahani, Executive Director at Indian School of Design & Innovation.
I believe today’s youth are more aware of what they want the world to be, not only for themselves, but for all. Their strong belief in global citizenship as key to creating a world open to collaboration, cohabitation and overall development is heartening to see, and is what will shape the present and the future.
The findings of the survey showcase that Millenials across the world are united by a belief in globalization. They want the freedom to experience the opportunities it brings and have a desire to play a role in shaping the future using technology. Some key highlights from the result of the survey:
The findings from the survey showcase a generation of game changers united by a belief in a world of collaboration, unrestricted by geographical borders – a sharp contrast to the current geopolitical environment. The term globalization holds significant meaning for them – they are confident that globalization will make the world a better place for themselves and others, and are committed to leading the change. With this diverse group of tomorrow’s future shapers looking towards personalizing globalization to pursue limitless cross-border movement, cross-border digital communication, and creative lifestyle not just for themselves but for all; they are the drivers of new economic power.
Western Union Purpose?
Globally, millennials attract many definitions about their mindset, however we thought it was time to hear from them directly. We asked: Where should the world be headed? Their vision was startling and refreshing. They imagine a world that reinvents globalization in a way that empowers not only themselves but all world citizens. They see a future of limitless cross-border movement and cross-border digital communication that enriches everyone’s creativity and drives new economic power. As a company that connects people across 200 countries and territories, we need to meet the dreams of this next generation of “future shapers” by enabling money movement globally, cash or cashless, in whatever format they demand. We pledge to power their commitment to inclusiveness and unite a world that is still at a crossroads.
Conclusion: GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP: THE WAY OF THE FUTURE
Globally, about 90% millennials agree that a better global future can be achieved through collaboration. They believe countries need to collaborate, rather than compete with one another, leading to a better global future. In India too, millennials are aware of and understand the wider world – and their place in it. They view connection and collaboration as critical steps to achieving global citizenship, significantly impacted through social media and the free flow of technology. While nearly two thirds of millennials across the globe believe that the free flow of technology (60%) and information (57%) across borders will become easier, they anticipate that the flow of political ideas (61%) and people (60%) will become more difficult or remain stagnant. This credence is mirrored by millennials in India, with 65% considering that the free flow of technology and information across borders (59%) will become easier, while the flow of political ideas (55%) and people (49%) will become more difficult or remain stagnant.
The Western Union Round Table discussion ended with these cute little WU Cupcakes from Le 15 Patisserie, Mumbai.