What challenges does agricultural economist Janet face in Nigeria? What is Anne’s everyday life like in Malaysia? How does Cris from Costa Rica stand up for human rights and diversity? Young people from different cultures are given a voice in the podcast “Young Voices – An Intercultural Podcast”. Published by Mission 21’s young@mission21 youth network, this podcast aims to build bridges across cultural boundaries and contribute to peaceful coexistence.
In the young@mission21 youth network, Mission 21 fosters connections and networks among young people from Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America. This network is dedicated to facilitating transcultural exchange between young people and campaigns advocating for a fairer world. Through its new bi-weekly podcast “Young Voices”, available on all major podcast platforms since February 2024, Mission 21 aims to amplify the voices of young people from its international network to a wider audience. Unlike many other podcasts, no specific topic is prescribed; instead, participants are given the choice to discuss what matters to and inspires them. In the half-hour episodes, they talk about everyday life, their environment, their work and their visions. This diversity makes each episode unique, personal, and moving. The young voices instill hope and show that great things can be achieved on a small scale.
The potential of young people’s voices for peacebuilding
The first episode entails an interview with Janet from Nigeria. She talks about her studies in agricultural economics, her current practical year and her future plans. Above all, however, she is keen to express how important it is to live peacefully in diversity. Despite various conflicts and frequent outbreaks of violence, what she loves most about her country is its diversity. There are many ethnic groups, hundreds of languages, different cultures and ways of life, and yet in the end they are all Nigerians.
When she was asked what it takes to live in diversity and peace, she says that it could basically be quite simple. Anyone can live in peace with anyone if they just decide to do so. You must be open and accept people for who they are. She also emphasizes how important it is to give young people a chance and recognize their potential. There are so many passionate young people whose ideas should be considered to make the world a better place where we can all live together peacefully.
A contribution to peaceful coexistence
The transcultural podcast “Young Voices” by Young@mission21 seeks to foster connection, motivation, inspiration, and hope. Its purpose is to spotlight the myriad young individuals worldwide dedicated to their visions and the pursuit of a better world. In this way, Mission 21 strives to promote mutual understanding across religious, cultural divides and peaceful coexistence. Each podcast episode contributes to this in its unique way.