Young people across Cornwall are being given the chance to have their voices heard by the G7 when it comes to Cornwall in June this year.

Ahead of the summit, young leaders from each of the G7 states will assemble to develop, negotiate, and propose policy recommendations on behalf of young people to present to heads of state.

This process is known as the Y7 and the youth summit will take place in early May 2021. It is a unique opportunity to champion the voice of young people at the highest level of international decision making.

The Future Leaders Network is being supported by Cornwall Council to make sure young people in the county are part of Y7.

Leader of the Council, Julian German, said: “This is a great opportunity for young people across Cornwall to get involved with the G7 and to talk directly with leaders from around the world.

“We want young people to talk about what they are passionate about and what concerns they have around the future.”

Chief Executive Officer of the Future Leaders Network, and Chair of the Y7 2021, Sophie Daud said: “The pandemic has disproportionately affected young people’s lives now - disrupting their education, employment and life chances - but it will also have the most significant consequences for their future, in terms of social, economic and political consequences.

“The Y7 2021 is an opportunity for young people to take their seat at the table with world leaders and ensure their voice, and the voice of future generations, is heard and reflected in international response and recovery plans. If you want something to change in the world - this is your chance to make it happen!”

In Cornwall, young people are being asked to take a survey or join a focus group – or both.

While the focus groups will run until the end of March, there will be lots of ways to continue to get involved over the next few months - check the Future Leaders Network website for further updates.

Julian German said: “There isn’t much time left on the survey, so I would encourage young people to make some time so as not to miss out.

“There will be plenty of other opportunities to get involved with the G7 over the coming months and we would love to support young people and to give them a platform.”

The G7 (Group of 7) is a gathering of world leaders from seven of the most advanced nations (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States, with the European Union holding a permanent seat). It meets annually to discuss solutions to the most pressing shared issues. In 2021, the U.K. hosts the G7 Presidency and the Leaders’ Summit will be hosted on 11 - 13 June, in Carbis Bay, Cornwall.

For more information on the Future Leaders Network please visit their website: https://www.futureleaders.network/