Empowering Youth Voices: Region Västra Götaland Hosts Policy-Making Seminar in Brussels
08/10/2024
On October 7, 2024, Region Västra Götaland, an active member of EARLALL, hosted an engaging seminar in Brussels focused on the critical topic of youth involvement in policy-making processes and democracy building. The event, held at the Nordic House, brought together policymakers, youth advocates, and experts to explore how young people can actively contribute to shaping cultural and democratic policies.
The seminar was driven by the Region’s initiative to involve young voices in its Cultural Strategy, as exemplified by the appointment of “Young Developers” in 2022. These developers—Adrita Ahmed, Alicia Källgren, and Helen Ashtari—presented their experiences and perspectives, offering insight into meaningful youth participation in policy-making. Their efforts were supported by Ebba Kostmann, Regional Developer and mentor.
Additionally, the seminar highlighted the EU Youth Strategy, with Lene Mejer from the European Commission’s European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) discussing the integration of youth into EU programs like Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps. Another keynote came from Urban Strandberg, Co-Founder of the International Youth Think Tank (IYTT), who presented alongside IYTT Youth Fellow Fabian Wiek on innovative approaches to youth engagement.
The event concluded with a networking reception, offering participants the chance to further discuss the future of youth involvement in democratic processes. It stands as a testament to the Region’s commitment to fostering active citizenship and young people’s role in shaping Europe’s cultural landscape.
