Achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, or any other long-term goals requires action not just from governments and businesses, but also from individuals, including the youth population. The youth of today are the future leaders, and the success of global initiatives depends on their engagement and commitment. This has motivated the Villars Institute to foster intergenerational collaboration and empower these future leaders. As a part of this effort, the institute sought to capture the ambitions, concerns, and perspectives of its youth community, the Villars Fellows, by developing the Global Issues Survey in 2023. Due to the goal of expanding the survey’s reach for the 2024 edition, the institute decided to redesign the survey to ensure its effectiveness in capturing the diverse views and aspirations of young people outside its community.

Therefore, this internship report seeks to evaluate the inaugural Global Issues Survey and implement a new version. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative analysis to first identify areas for improvement based on a series of interviews with key stakeholders, and then to quantify the results of the redefined survey. The findings indicate that the youth today are highly motivated to tackle global challenges, with strong interests in emerging technologies and systems thinking. The study also provides valuable insights into understanding the educational gap between youth aspirations and preparedness. By analyzing youth perspectives on global challenges and their aspirations for the future, this study suggests the development of targeted programs and initiatives that align with the needs and ambitions of young people. Educational institutions, companies, and organizations can also utilize these insights to better engage with the youth and foster their active participation in shaping a sustainable future and therefore achieve the long-term global goals.