ke said. “Half of the world’s population is under 30, but if we look at where laws and policies are made in our parliaments, only 2.6 per cent of the world’s parliamentarians are under the age of 30 – the average age of a world leader right now is 62 years old.” This shows that young people are being systematically and blatantly excluded from decision-making processes around the world, despite their numbers, said Wickramanayake. The campaign also recommends 12 changes that should be made over the next few years to ensure more young people are included in decision making processes. These include lowering the voting age in some regions, implementing civic education programs for young people and potentially introducing age and gender quotas into political parties.   Launched across 75 countries, ‘Be Seen, Be Heard’ will be featured in 2,500 The Body Shop stores worldwide, according to the brand’s global director for activism and sustainability, Chris Davis. “Young people have the potential to change the world, and we really need to listen,” said Davis.  “We believe business can be a force for good, and we believe our shops, brand, and our ability to market will complement the knowledge of the UN. Together, we [are optimistic] that we can change policy and legislation, or bring in a mechanic so that young people’s voices can be heard.” Davis was quick to add, however, that the campaign is not about calling for young people to take over politics: instead, it is attempting to bring change and inclusion to the political process. Creating the change According to Wickramanayake, while activism has become an industry buzzword, the UN wants businesses to see the report as a way to change their business model, rather than as a corporate social responsibility project. “It’s crucial that if we’re going to reach our ambitious goals, [we need to work together]. Government’s can’t do it alone, young people can’t do it alone, businesses can’t do it alone,” said Wickramanayake. “It can only happen through a broad coalition of all of us working together toward the same goal.” As to why The Body Shop is getting involved in the campaign, Davis said this kind of work is in the business’ blood: it has changed 24 laws around the world since the 1990s. “We’ve always been a business that has had the philosophy that our voice can really make a difference, and The Body Shop brand is well respected around the world,” Davis said.  “If young people’s voices are just shouting into the void with nowhere to go, no change is going to happen.  “If we can, through this campaign partnership, create that change and ensure that their voices have somewhere to land rather than just going into a vacuum, that’s something that we can be really proud of.”