In this session, we will discuss how young people can be supported by local governments to take part in decision-making and how to make sure that no one is left behind in the process. We will deep dive into meaningful and innovative ways of engaging youngsters in policy-making. The rich mix of actors participating in the session, including young people, practitioners, and city representatives from different world regions will contribute to developing comprehensive and impactful propositions for local action.
We will zoom in on socio-economic barriers to youth participation and solutions to overcome them. We will also look at successful examples of young people’s engagement in policy co-creation focusing on the economic, social and environmental dimensions, and collectively reflect on the lessons learned.
Speakers
- Vlora Makolli, Together in Association, Sweden
- Nisreen Elsaim, Chair, Sudan Youth Organisation on Climate Change, Sudan (virtual)
- Fruzsina Vargha, Lady Vice-Mayor, Sfântu-Gheorghe, Romania
- Chilando Chitangala, Mayor, City of Lusaka, Zambia
- Anne Louise Meincke, Urban Hub Manager, Cities4Children Alliance, Denmark
- Jose Nicolas Arenas, Secretary of Environment and Agricultural Development, Envigado, Colombia
Session overview
13:45-13:50 CEST | Welcome & Introduction
13:50-14:40 CEST | Questions for speakers
The speakers will be asked four rounds of questions
- Round 1: Reflection by young activists. What are the main barriers for youth participation? What does meaningful participation entail?
- Round 2: Successful examples of young people’s engagement in policy co-creation from the City of Lusaka, City of Sfântu Gheorghe, City of Envigado and Cities4Children Alliance
- Round 3: Reaction of young activists and a question for the panel. What would you do differently for a broader impact? What is the main lesson you take from this experience? What was the main reason for the youth to engage?
- Round 4: Questions from the audience
14:40-14:45 CEST | Session closure