For Lars Westra, European Union Youth Delegate to the United Nations, this question is part of something even bigger: Who gets a voice when decisions are made about our future?

Lars works to bring the perspectives of children and youth into international decision-making and to strengthen meaningful participation. That means going beyond simply asking young people what they think. If their participation is going to matter, they need real opportunities to contribute to the conversations, decisions and actions that affect their lives.

And there is an important difference between being listened to and actually having influence.

Inviting young people into a room is one thing. Giving their ideas serious consideration and allowing them to participate in shaping decisions is something else.

Young people should not have to wait until they are older to have ideas worth listening to.