Global issues means matters of public concern worldwide. These could include social issues, environmental issues and economic issues. In many ways global issues interconnect with each other, and learning more about them and how to shape the future can feel very empowering.
Who’s Responsible
Whataretheydoing?
International obligations are commonly found in treaties between states or international organisations. Wales responds to UK duties and commitments on international issues. Since devolution, Welsh ministers must comply with international obligations.
Whatcanyoudo?
The global environment is complex, and there are government departments as well as independent news organisations to help you shape your views and work out what you might like to find out more about.
The first Member of the Welsh Youth Parliament representing Race Council Cymru. Angel made impactful contributions to call for Black and People of Colour’s histories to be part of Wales’s school curriculum.
Marcus’s highest profile impact was influencing the UK Government to extend free school meals for children. He also raised the profile of the issue in the media and public leading to a national conversation about food poverty.
Poppy is a strong advocate for equality, social justice and human rights. She’s a passionate climate change activist and considers herself as an internationalist, believing countries should work together.
Greta’s peaceful protests inspired a worldwide youth movement, got politicians to engage with climate change issues, and improved public awareness. Her impact has been called the ‘Greta effect.’
Local councils
Many parts of the UK have two tiers of local government, county councils and district, borough or city councils. County councils are responsible for services across the whole of a county including education, planning, and waste management. District, borough and city councils cover a smaller area and are usually responsible for services like housing, recycling, and rubbish collection. Parish, community and town councils operate at a level below district and borough councils and can help on local issues like providing allotments, bus shelters, and consultation on neighbourhood planning.
Cymru/Wales Parliament
The Welsh Parliament, Senedd Cymru, is the democratically elected body that represents the interests of Wales and its people. It makes laws for Wales, agrees Welsh taxes, and oversees the work and spending of the Welsh Government. It does this through debates, questioning ministers, and with the investigative work of its committees. Debates allow Members to voice your concerns in the Senedd, discuss topical issues, and decide on new laws. Committees look at the work of the Welsh Government and other public organisations in Wales in specific devolved areas.
House of Commons
The House of Commons is the elected part of the United Kingdom Parliament. Ministers are the members who are in the government. Political parties not in government are called the opposition. The Speaker is an MP who has been elected by other MPs to act as Chair during debates.
House of Lords
The House of Lords provides a second opinion to the House of Commons and the government. The main role of the House of Lords is making laws, checking and challenging the government and investigating public policy.
Create a petition
If you feel strongly about an issue you may want to start or sign a petition, on either the UK Parliament website or Senedd website. You can also create non-parliamentary petitions, on sites like 38 Degrees or Change.Org.
Peaceful protest
Peaceful demonstrations are legal under UK law and you can attempt to achieve change through non-violent and legal demonstrations.
Register to vote
Voting is the act of choosing something or someone in an organised election. You can register to vote from age 14 in Wales and Scotland (and 16 in the rest of the UK,) which means you will be ready to participate in local and general elections.