On 29 May – 1 June, 15 youth leaders involved in member organisations of the International Federation of Liberal Youth (IFLRY) met in Berlin, Germany, to analyse the topic of mental well-being of politicians, discussing concepts, what the job of a politician should be, the impact of mental well-being in the job of politicians, challenges for underrepresented groups in politics and recommendations to different stakeholders.

Participants’ expectations included getting insights into the topic of mental wellbeing, growing, exchanging experiences about wellbeing, networking, finding tools for young people to access politics, and getting to know the IFLRY better. Thanks to interactive learning sessions, participants explored first what mental health and wellbeing concepts refer to, then they explored real-life situations in which these concepts come at stake in political life, they met stakeholders from research and politics and they contributed to a toolkit on the project topics.

This meeting is the first activity of an annual work plan of IFLRY whose main goal is rebuilding trust through taking care of the mental well-being of politicians for a better leadership. The annual work plan will include two more international meetings, as well as awareness raising initiatives throughout 2025.

The EYF monitoring visit allowed to discuss about the work of the Council of Europe in the field of youth and political life, strengthen the partnership with IFLRY and present funding opportunities.

This activity is supported by the European Youth Foundation thanks to its annual work plan grants.