From July 4-6, Tallinn, Estonia, hosted a gathering as part of the EURODEMOS project. Over three days, 28 insightful youth observers from seven EU countries convened to share their perspectives and forge pathways forward for youth participation in Europe.
A Diverse Gathering of Young Minds
The panel brought together a diverse group of young individuals, each bringing unique insights from their respective countries. This mix of backgrounds and experiences fostered rich discussions and provided a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities for youth involvement in policy-making across Europe.
Building Bridges Through Dialogue
The event was designed to encourage open dialogue and collaboration among participants. Through a series of workshops, discussions, and group activities, the youth observers engaged deeply with each other, sharing their experiences and ideas on enhancing youth participation in European governance.
Culminating in Actionable Recommendations
The collaborative efforts of the panel resulted in the formulation of ten powerful recommendations. These recommendations aim to enhance the role of young people in policy-making processes, ensuring their voices are heard and their contributions valued. The recommendations highlight the importance of:
- Increased Youth Representation: advocating for more young people in decision-making bodies.
- Enhanced Civic Education: promoting comprehensive civic education to empower youth with the knowledge needed to participate effectively.
- Accessible Platforms: creating accessible platforms for youth to engage with policymakers.
- Youth-Inclusive Policies: ensuring policies reflect the needs and aspirations of young people.
- Supportive Networks: building supportive networks that enable young people to collaborate and share resources.
- Mentorship Programs: implementing mentorship programs to guide young leaders.
- Funding for Youth Initiatives: securing funding to support youth-led projects and initiatives.
- Digital Engagement: leveraging digital tools to facilitate wider youth participation.
- Recognition of Youth Contributions: acknowledging and celebrating the contributions of young people to society.
- Regular Consultations: establishing regular consultations between youth representatives and policymakers.
Moving Forward
The recommendations generated from this panel reflect a collective commitment to empowering young voices in Europe. These actionable steps provide a roadmap for enhancing youth participation, ensuring that young people are not just future leaders but active contributors to today’s policy-making processes.
Conclusion
The EURODEMOS project’s 3-day panel in Tallinn was a great experience for all involved. It demonstrated the potential of collaborative efforts and the power of youth voices in shaping the future of Europe. As these recommendations are taken forward, they will undoubtedly contribute to a more inclusive and participatory policy-making environment across the continent.
