A new survey has unveiled that only 17% of Finnish youth feel optimistic about the future of the world, marking a historically low level of hope. This decline in positive outlook is part of a broader trend noted in the 2025 Youth Barometer, which indicates that young people are struggling to maintain faith in their personal futures as well. The survey, conducted in the early months of 2025, suggests that the anxiety and pressures stemming from work life and educational demands are contributing to this pessimism.

The survey results also highlight growing feelings of uncertainty and insecurity among young people, particularly in light of current global political unrest. Issues such as the ongoing war in Ukraine, conflicts between Israel and Gaza, and the political scenario surrounding former President Donald Trump's potential return to power are factors that exacerbate this fear. These global events have led to an environment where young people feel less secure about their place in the world and the future they will inherit.

In response to these findings, Finland's Youth Council is urging immediate action from policymakers to address the mounting concerns facing the younger generation. There is a clear call for strategic initiatives aimed at improving mental health and fostering a more optimistic outlook for youth. This alarming trend not only affects individual wellbeing but also poses broader societal implications, suggesting a need for a concerted effort to restore faith in the future among the youth of Finland.