Before the result was announced last week, many expected the Hong Kong protesters to be the winners, and indeed they were.

The protesters were the choice of readers by a significant margin; they won 30 per cent of the votes cast by the 27 million readers who took part this year. But Times editors overrode the readers’ choice and instead gave the title to 16-year-old Thunberg, making her the youngest individual ever to win the award.

In the past, the title has largely been bestowed on politicians, heads of governments, or prominent public figures. In the past few years, it has been given to people with little long-time achievements but are inspirational and intrepid like Thunberg.

It is becoming increasingly clear that the public desire to see changes coming from the public rather than “the top” which is indicative that people are losing faith in their governments. The award has empowered ordinary people to effect changes and fight for greater accountability.

It serves to encourage people that no one should underestimate themselves because everyone has the power to influence society, or even bring about earth-shattering changes, just like the young Thunberg.

Widespread youth movements have sprung up around the world, not only to call for changes to improve people’s lives, but also to dismantle the elitism that allows the rich to get even richer and the powerful to remain in power.

Youth activism tries to pick up where governments have failed. Young people are resourceful, and they are able to divert attention to their cause using different forms of social media and other unconventional channels. They focus on what is important to them, be it climate justice, democracy, equality, LGBT rights, or social and economic equity.

Youth activism is unstoppable around the world, and we are witnessing youngsters engage as social and political influencers who are wielding their ability to make changes on issues they care about.

They are rapidly galvanising support from around the world. But with such growing power and influence, there needs to be strong guidance to channel their energy purposefully and properly.

Meanwhile, adults should not make assumptions about these young people and what they are capable of. We have to accept the fact that more and more of them have taken charge of their lives by actively taking part in public affairs. This is the reality, so we ought to allow them such rights as well as take advantage of this fateful moment in time to build on this momentum and turn it into intergenerational activism to benefit us all.

We can help them manage and channel their power so their energy can do good. Our children deserve our support and to be treated as equals if their goals are good and meaningful.

If we recognise their efforts in social and political movements, it means understanding their desire to build a future for themselves. This understanding comes from respect and provides them with a sense of dignity.

Allowing young people the opportunity to participate in social movements is one way of moulding them for leadership. They should be given the appropriate support and encouragement so they can develop their capacity to address issues with purpose.

It is inevitable to include young people in political engagement. Youngsters can do meaningful work, no matter their age or experience if their hearts and minds are in the right place. They certainly don’t need our permission; they have been organising campaigns around many different causes they believe in around the world including Hong Kong.

With so much power coming together, there is only one way forward; to embrace and engage it.

Our youths are fighting for their rights and their well-being because the future belongs to them and it only seems right that they are shaping their own destinies by taking responsibility for it. All we need to do is help them fight it in the right way, and help them pave the way for a better future.

Luisa Tam is a correspondent at the Post