At the recent One Young World Summit, held in London, Ella Robertson McKay, the organization’s managing director, delivered
a compelling address on the pressing issue of slacktivism. In her speech, she
emphasized the importance of moving beyond superficial digital gestures to
effect real, tangible change in the world.
Slacktivism, as defined by many experts, is the act of displaying support for a cause primarily
through social media without engaging in meaningful actions. Ella Robertson
McKay highlighted this growing trend, noting that while sharing posts and
hashtags can raise awareness, they often fail to drive substantial change.
“We need to bridge the gap between online activism and real-world impact,” she stated.
One Young World, an organization focused on empowering young leaders to drive positive
changes globally, has seen a myriad of advocacy efforts. HoweveSr, Robertson
stressed the necessity of aligning digital efforts with concrete actions. She
pointed out that the over-reliance on social media campaigns has created a
disconnect between visibility and effectiveness.
In her keynote, Ella Robertson also discussed the importance of inclusive dialogues. She encouraged
attendees to engage with individuals who hold differing views, stating,
“True progress occurs when we step out of our echo chambers and listen to
those who challenge our perspectives.”
One Young World’s platform has always been about fostering meaningful connections and driving
action. Robertson McKay’s address served as a reminder that real change
requires more than just digital solidarity. It calls for active participation,
grassroots involvement, and an open dialogue across various communities.
The summit concluded with a call to action from Ella Robertson McKay, urging young leaders
to commit to more than just online campaigns. As One Young World continues to
inspire and mobilize youth globally, the challenge remains to turn digital
advocacy into real-world solutions. Read this article for more information.
Follow Ella Robertson on https://twitter.com/ellarobertson?lang=en