For years, millennials have been labeled as self-absorbed and detached from the real world.
Some critics argue they’re too consumed by social media, influencer culture, and personal branding to care about the larger issues facing the planet.
But here’s a reality check: millennials are not only deeply concerned about global challenges, but they also believe they have the power to change the world.
According to the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global Shapers Survey, which gathered insights from over 26,000 millennials across 181 countries, the top concerns of this generation aren’t trivial at all.
At the top of the list? Climate change, large-scale conflicts, and religious tensions. The data paints a clear picture: millennials are engaged, informed, and ready to act.
The Global Issues Millennials Care About the Most
When asked to name the three most pressing challenges facing the world today, millennials provided a ranking that might surprise those who underestimate their awareness.
10. Lack of Economic Opportunity and Unemployment (14.2%)
Economic instability is a source of deep concern, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where 22% of millennials cite it as a major issue.
In contrast, only 8.3% of Eurasian millennials expressed the same level of concern.
With automation and digital transformation reshaping job markets, it’s clear why this issue resonates with young people worldwide.
9. Food and Water Security (15.1%)
With climate change and resource mismanagement threatening food systems, North American millennials lead the charge in raising concerns about food and water security (27.3%).
Europeans (21.5%) share similar worries, while millennials in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Sub-Saharan Africa show comparatively lower concern (11% each).
8. Lack of Political Freedom and Instability (15.5%)
In regions where political systems are volatile, young people feel the weight of instability.
East Asia and the Pacific (19%) and Eurasia (18.9%) have the highest percentage of millennials troubled by political repression and instability.
7. Lack of Education (16.5%)
Education remains a cornerstone for progress, yet access remains unequal.
North American millennials (21.8%) and those in Europe and Eurasia (19.7%) express significant concern over global education disparities.
Ironically, only 7% of Sub-Saharan African millennials—who arguably face the biggest educational challenges—listed this among their top concerns.
6. Safety, Security, and Well-being (18.1%)
Concerns over personal and national security are particularly high in Sub-Saharan Africa (24.6%) and the Middle East/North Africa (23.4%), where conflict and instability are more pronounced.
In Latin America and the Caribbean, however, only 12.8% of millennials rated it as a top concern.
5. Government Accountability, Transparency, and Corruption (21.7%)
A staggering 32% of Sub-Saharan African millennials flagged corruption and lack of government transparency as a major issue, followed by 27% in Latin America and 23.2% in the Middle East/North Africa.
The demand for cleaner governance is loud and clear.
4. Poverty (31.1%)
Millennials in Latin America and the Caribbean (40.4%) are the most vocal about poverty, followed closely by North America (33.9%) and Sub-Saharan Africa (33.6%).
The financial crisis, economic disparity, and lack of economic mobility drive this concern.
3. Religious Conflicts (33.8%)
Religious tension remains a major concern, with Middle Eastern/North African millennials (45.1%) expressing the highest level of concern, followed by South Asia (44.1%), Eurasia (41.8%), and Europe (38.8%).
2. Large-Scale Conflict and Wars (38.5%)
With ongoing wars and geopolitical tensions, it’s no surprise that millennials in Eurasia (54.3%) and the Middle East/North Africa (50.3%) see large-scale conflict as a critical threat.
1. Climate Change and Destruction of Natural Resources (45.2%)
The number one global issue for millennials? Climate change. The highest concern is found in Latin America/the Caribbean (51.8%) and South Asia (49.3%).
This generation is witnessing firsthand the effects of rising temperatures, extreme weather, and resource depletion—and they’re demanding action.
Why Millennials Trust Themselves Over Governments to Fix These Issues
A common assumption is that younger generations expect governments to solve global problems.
Yet, when asked who should be responsible for tackling these challenges, millennials placed the burden on international organizations and themselves.
This represents a fundamental shift in mindset. They’re not waiting for change—they’re creating it.
Whether it’s through activism, entrepreneurship, or social media advocacy, millennials are leveraging technology and global networks to drive solutions.
Millennials Are Taking Action
Awareness is one thing, but millennials are also translating their concerns into action.
- Climate change activism: Youth-led movements like Fridays for Future have gained massive traction, proving that young people have real influence.
- Social entrepreneurship: From sustainable fashion startups to fair-trade initiatives, millennials are using business as a vehicle for change.
- Political engagement: More millennials are running for office or supporting candidates who prioritize transparency, environmental policies, and social justice.
Millennials Are the Changemakers of the Future
The outdated notion that millennials are disengaged and indifferent couldn’t be further from the truth.
They are informed, passionate, and willing to take responsibility for shaping a better world.
Climate change, conflict, corruption, and inequality are at the forefront of their concerns—but so is their belief in their ability to make a difference.
As this generation continues to gain influence in politics, business, and civil society, one thing is clear: the world’s future is in the hands of those who are committed to solving its biggest challenges. And millennials are leading the charge.
