France backs UNESCO drive to involve more young people in political decisions

A UNESCO drive to get more young people into decision-making bodies, including those on how to prevent wars, won the backing of France's foreign minister on Tuesday, as the country faces a wave of student protests, many of which have turned violent.



The appeal, formally adopted by the UN's cultural and education agency after being drafted by 145 young representatives from 135 countries, calls for youth

representation in decision-making bodies, conflict prevention and mediation mechanisms.



The initiative comes at a time where student-led protests in recent weeks have highlighted frustration among some young people over their perceived lack of influence on political decisions.



"Young people's voices matter," Jean-Noel Barrot said on X following UNESCO's backing of the appeal.