National Youth Dialogues
The Forward SG exercises aims to strengthen Singapore’s social compact as the nation progresses into the future. The conversations have been structured along the pillars of Empower, Equip, Care, Build, Steward, and Unite.
National Youth Dialogue 1: Renewing Our Social Compact
At the first National Youth Dialogue under the Forward Singapore exercise “Renewing Our Social Compact”, youths heard from the panelists about current state of Singapore’s social compact, as well as why it was important to have a conversation about it, and if meritocracy has a place in Singapore today. Youths also asked what shifts in values and mindsets were needed, and how different segments of society could play a role to achieve this new social compact.
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National Youth Dialogue 2: Towards A Net Zero Future
At the second National Youth Dialogue session “Towards A Net Zero Future”, discussions addressed the tradeoffs and considerations in Singapore’s transition to net zero carbon emissions, how carbon tax is more than just about businesses paying, and if Singapore’s transition to net zero carbon emission is progressing too slowly. Youths also asked how Singapore can galvanise companies to move towards net zero at a faster pace and what more could be done to balance societal and ecological needs.
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“What resonated with me the most was that there are difficult (and inconvenient) questions that need to be asked and discussed. We need not just safe spaces to dialogue, we need brave spaces to dare to disagree and take risks in prototyping new social possibilities; so we will not be victims of our own success(es).”
- Khoo Yi Feng, Manager, INSPIRIT Member and Mental Health Advocate (NYD #1 participant)
National Youth Dialogue 3: Home for Every Stage of Life
The third National Youth Dialogue, “Home for Every Stage of Life”, had panelists share about existing public housing policies and present day comparisons between mature and non-mature HDB estates, if means testing for HDB subsidies will be reviewed, and what the Government is doing to stop people from gaming the housing system. Youths also asked about the Government’s plans to cater to specific demographic groups such as singles, and to incorporate green spaces into housing estates.
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Click here to view the detailed notes.
National Youth Dialogue 4: Enhancing Health and Support for Families
Panelists at the fourth National Youth Dialogue shared about the role of parents in helping youths thrive, the “life course” approach our health care system is moving towards, and if there are enough healthcare professionals to cater to Singapore’s ageing population. The conversations revolved around the themes: Health, Social Mobility, and Families, where key issues such as youths’ mental health, accessibility of opportunities to lower income groups and parental leave were raised by the youth participants.
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National Youth Dialogue 5: Budget 2023
At the National Youth Council’s pre-budget engagement, panelists shared about three themes: Navigating a volatile and complex world, Strengthening our Social Compact, and Building a Resilient Nation. Youths also asked about job support schemes, plans by the Government to support individuals with special needs, and the guiding principles on the nation’s resource expenditure. Watch the key highlights of National Youth Dialogue 5 here .
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National Youth Dialogue 6: Together, We Make Singapore
At the sixth National Youth Dialogue “Together, We Make Singapore”, youths were encouraged to register their interest to be part of the inaugural youth panels. Together with the panellists, youths discussed issues they were concerned about, explored opportunities to involve youths in policy-making and how to ensure diversity and inclusivity during the youth panels process.
Click here to view the event summary.
Click here to view the detailed notes.
