Millennials across 15 countries are united by a belief in globalization, want the freedom to experience the opportunities it brings, and have a desire to play a role in shaping the future using technology, according to new research commissioned by Western Union.

The survey of more than 10,000 millennials reveals that this group is confident that globalization will make the world a better place for themselves and others and are committed to leading the change.

The world—politically, economically, socially, and technologically—is in flux. But what does this all mean for our future? The Western Union Company (NYSE: WU) has commissioned a first-of-its-kind global study about millennials’ beliefs, hopes, and aspirations for the future and the world that they wish to shape for themselves and others.

The 2017 Western Union Global Study—“Globalization: A World View of the Future”—surveyed native, first-generation, and foreign-born people between the ages of 20-36.

The survey shows that in sharp contrast to current geopolitics, this diverse group of tomorrow’s future shapers is united by a belief in a world of collaboration, unrestricted by geographical borders.

Western Union president and chief executive officer Hikmet Ersek said, “The world is changing and there is a new economic power shift driven by a new generation of global citizens. They are shaping the future, and inspiring others to do the same. They are redefining globalization to one of ‘personal globalization’ where the pursuit of limitless cross-border movement, cross-border digital communication, and creative lifestyle drives new economic power.

“These inspiring future shapers are the leaders of tomorrow and are looking at how they want the world to be, not only for themselves, but for all. This generation is made up all kinds of future leaders—entrepreneurial, corporate, political, and social influencers. It is vitally important to understand what they think and what they want the world to look like,” said Ersek.

Western Union operates in 200 countries and territories worldwide, and commissioned the survey to gain additional insights into the younger customers it serves through its digital channels.

Key findings

Global citizenship: The way of the future

Global citizenship is pivotal for creating the world millennials want for the future, as they believe the concept of belonging to one individual country is outdated. Millennials view connection and collaboration as the most critical steps forward to achieving global citizenship.

Freedom to be global safeguards the future

The idea of limitless movement empowers millennials, as they believe it will allow them to control their destiny. The majority of millennials believe that creating a more open world will unlock opportunities for better job prospects and result in economic freedom, including the ease of money movement.

Governing the future

Today, borders going up across the world—and politicians and governments reasserting the concept of the nation state—are leading many millennials to believe that these institutions are not representing their respective views. However, a significant number of millennials are adamant that collaboration is essential and believe that shaping the future is up to them, rather than institutions.

Unity and inclusiveness

There are mixed sentiments regarding whether the world is at peace, given concerns that increased racism and nativism may pose a threat to global citizenship and an open world. Millennials believe the most important trait to eradicate social discrimination is ensuring that there is respect for diversity. – TradeArabia News Service