Millennials speak out

Corruption, lack of transparency, and abuse of power were identified by Philippine millennials as among the biggest and most serious factors that significantly contributed to the overall inequality in the country today.

This was according to the results of the World Economic Forum’s Global Shapers Annual Survey 2016, which sought to provide insights into the thinking and views of young people from ages 18 to 35 years from 180 countries and territories regarding technology, governance, values, and the role of business in the society.

Of the 118 millennial respondents from the Philippines, 68.4 percent said government accountability and transparency/corruption was the most serious issue hounding the country today followed by poverty (64 percent) and climate change/destruction of natural resources (38.6 percent).

Inequality was deemed to be caused by, again, corruption and lack of transparency (79.8 percent); access to good, quality education (63.2 percent); income (50 percent); and government taxes and policies (29.8 percent). Abuse of power was identified as the biggest frustration about government leaders among 77.1 percent of Philippine respondents to the survey. This was followed by lack of accountability (52.4 percent); bureacracy/administrative barriers (35.2 percent); lack of action (26.7 percent); and lack of understanding of citizens (21 percent).

To help improve perceived inadequacies in government transparency and accountability, 63.2 percent of Philippine millennials want national leaders to impose “visible penalties for poor governance” while 52.6 percent sought regular and open dialogue with citizens. Also important would be for government leaders to open government practices; have regular updates on the progress of public works; protect the independence of the courts; and make government salaries public.

In general, the second edition of the Global Shapers Annual Survey 2016 showed that millennials view the world with cautious optimism, despite serious concerns about widespread corruption, conflicts, the effects of climate change and missing opportunities for social and economic inclusion. Of the over 26,000 responses culled, 70 percent of millennials see the world full of opportunities and 50 percent believe they can actively contribute to decision making in their countries.

Majority, however, were frustrated by corruption and lack of jobs while climate change remained a top global concern for the young people, trumping even war and poverty. Other major concerns common across the regions were the lack of economic opportunity, deficits in the education system and poverty.