Young Europeans Committed to Knowledge Society
The rise of disinformation and fake news is eroding the very foundations of science, innovation, and progress. Committed young people came together to discuss solutions at a European Youth Parliament event in Málaga - supported by Covestro.
They came from all over Europe – more than 300 young changemakers who filled the “Edgar Neville” Congress Center in Málaga for an entire week. Their goal: to debate pressing social and political issues and help shape forward-looking solutions. Their stage: the 103rd International Session of the European Youth Parliament (EYP).
The EYP mirrors structures and processes of a real parliament – with specialized committees, debates, and a final plenary session where resolutions are adopted. Topics range from the consequences of climate change to minority rights and migration. This cross-border exchange nurtures a deep understanding of democratic processes and the power of collaboration.
But can we continue to navigate complex issues and find constructive solutions together in the future? The rapid spread of disinformation and populist narratives puts that ability to the test. When falsehoods thrive, trust in scientific facts erodes - and when science is disregarded, rational, consensus-based decision-making falters. The result: polarization, frustration, and stagnation.
Dangers for politics and the economy
How can we safeguard the foundation of our knowledge society? Covestro, an innovation-driven company committed to facts, education, and science - joined the debate in Málaga to explore this question with the young delegates. Disinformation, manipulation, and societal division are not only political threats - but they are also immense economic risks.
Companies like Covestro and industries like the chemical sector depend on the acceptance of science-based solutions – for developing sustainable materials, achieving climate-neutral production, or advancing the circular economy. When trust in science fades, innovation slows down or even stalls.
Investments become riskier, and essential technologies such as chemical recycling face unnecessary resistance fueled by misinformation. At worst, misleading narratives can harm a company’s reputation and its very license to operate.
AI – Catalyst and Challenge
Artificial intelligence adds another layer to the discussion. It can accelerate progress – or amplify disinformation. The EYP participants explored this ambivalence in lively debate.
On one side, AI offers powerful advantages in science and industry: it transforms research, optimizes complex production processes, and accelerates the development of sustainable materials. For Covestro, AI is an essential tool to drive innovation and achieve ambitious sustainability goals.
On the flip side, AI also enables the large-scale creation of deepfakes – realistic falsehoods that blur the line between fact and fiction. This makes it ever more difficult, even for informed citizens, to distinguish truth from manipulation.
Building Media and Digital Literacy
The young delegates agreed: presenting facts alone is no longer enough. We must strengthen media and digital literacy – especially among young people – so that they can recognize manipulation, understand digital dynamics, and separate truth from falsehood.
The experience in Málaga demonstrated the determination of Europe’s youth to stand up for democracy, tolerance, and constructive dialogue. Their critical thinking and solution-oriented spirit are a beacon of hope. At Covestro, we see the European Youth Parliament as a strategic investment in preserving and promoting the future of the society we value – and in the spirit of cooperation, without which there is no progress.