"There is no sustainable future without the participation of our generation."

Nigerian activist Esther Agbarakwe calls on governments to involve young people in debating the new global development goals agenda.

"Since the first sparks of the revolution, women have defied national stereotypes."

Emad Karim, a young Egyptian who took part in a debate with the Elders during their visit to Cairo in October 2012, blogs about the challenges facing women in Egypt's patriarchal society, arguing that men and boys should be actively involved in the campaign for equality.

Frustrated by the lack of youth participation in the decision-making process, Zaher Bassioni set out to establish a youth organisation alongside similar-minded young people. Here, he blogs about his vision for a secular Palestinian society - one that practises peace, promotes democracy, and respects individual freedoms.

Why wait for someone else to solve the problems? Anees Barghouthy gives an example of young Palestinians taking proactive action to make a difference in their communities.

Shira Avni, from Beit Yehudit - The International Cultural Centre for Youth (ICCY) in Emek Refaim, blogs about getting local residents to actively participate in the decision making that affects their lives.