Elif Bayat is politically active. But political work within city limits wasn’t enough for Bottrop’s 24 years. He traveled to India as a delegate and was part of the G20 youth summit.

“It is one of the biggest political platforms in the world,” said Elif Bayat about the “G20 Youth Summit,” the name for the youth summit. At the youth forum of the G20 summit in India from August 17 to 20, he will take part in discussions and speak with young delegates from around the world on political and social issues. “There are five different negotiating groups on five different issues. I’m there for Germany on climate protection and disaster risk reduction,” explained the Bottrop native.

Big Opportunity: The results document is intended to influence real political decisions

The fact that he will be traveling to the youth summit as one of five German delegates fills him with great pride. After all, the interest in the youth format of the G20 summit is huge. But through his many commitments, he was able to fight for one of the coveted spots. “I am very happy to be selected, but I am also aware of the responsibility,” said Bayat. After all, everyone involved represented their country and the ambition was so great that in the end a satisfactory outcome of the discussion could be presented.

“At the end of the summit we will hold a joint communiqué that summarizes our work and political demands,” said Elif Bayat. The 24-year-old has high hopes for this final document. Because even after the summit, he wants to build on the results of the negotiations and build on the goals that have been achieved together. “Politicians at the proper G20 summits are also aware of our results and we can really influence politics as a result.”

The desire to change the world: “The voice of young people is being heard more and more”

Elif Bayat is very grateful for the format for young people. Because he noticed that in recent years more and more young people want to be active. “I am very optimistic because I realize that the voices of young people are increasingly being heard,” he said. Therefore, platforms such as the G20 youth summit have become more important and significant for young people who are involved politically, according to Elif Bayat.

And the topic of climate protection, to which indigenous Bottrops have committed throughout their years as WWF youth council members, is more important today than ever. “It’s one of the most important tasks of our time,” he said. In the negotiations in India, it was very important to him that climate protection should be designed in a socially responsible manner.

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