LAB 1: Youth engagement: a key to promoting diversity in society?
7 November 2024 - 09.00-11.00 / Palais de l'Europe / Salle 11
Interpretation FR/EN
Sponsored by the Region Grand Est
Young people are more than ever confronted with global issues such as climate changenationalism and populism.Young people are not only potential victims but also a a part of the solution. Policy makers should not only listen to young people but also hear them.
Moderator:
Jean-Baptiste CUZIN, Head of the cross-border, European and international cooperation of the Region Grand Est
Discussant:
TBC
Empowering Young Leaders for Global Democratic Innovation, ZonaDebate
Spain
ZonaDebate is a Spanish association of over 100 European members, mainly young university leaders. Their initiative is to create an online community for people under 30, interested in politics and with a clear democratic vocation, as well as some experience of leadership and activism. This initiative addresses the frustration felt by young Europeans over the rise of populism and the lack of political education, empowering them to engage meaningfully in the democratic process. The community will be organised into working groups tasked with drafting proposals and reports on relevant issues. These projects are then voted on and approved by a simple majority within the group, then submitted to a joint commission to produce a unified proposal, which will be forwarded to the Global Coordination Team (GCT). Composed of a representative from each participating country, the GCT will function as a youth "lobby", ensuring that proposals representing young leaders reach the stakeholders. This collaborative approach amplifies the voice of young people and puts them in touch with key political players.
Presenter:
"Alejandro Di Lorenzo Berrozpe is a dynamic young leader dedicated to empowering the next generation through critical reflection and the exchange of ideas. As Head of Institutional Relations at BETA España and Co-President of ZonaDebate, he champions the active participation of youth in shaping global policies. Alejandro's mission is to unite young voices into a decisive, assertive force that defends democracy and demands a seat at the table with key stakeholders and decision-makers. His vision is to transform youth into a pivotal actor in policy-making, driving meaningful change on the global stage."
Youth voices for inclusive democracy, The Young Changemakers
Pakistan
The Young Changemakers (TYC) is a Pakistani non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting youth leadership and social change. Youth Voices for Inclusive Democracy (YVID) is one of TYC's main projects. The project aims to empower Pakistan's marginalised youth to actively engage in democratic processes and promote social cohesion and diversity. YVID organises workshops, awareness campaigns and community outreach activities to amplify young people's voices, encourage understanding between different communities, and foster inclusive dialogue and collaboration. The initiative focuses on Pakistani regions where youth engagement in democratic processes is limited, involving diverse actors (marginalised youth, civil society organisations, local stakeholders, and governmental bodies). TYC collaborates with partner organisations and governmental agencies to enhance resources and extend the initiative's impact.
Presenter:
Sulman Bhatti, a passionate advocate for youth empowerment and social change, currently serves on the Board of The Young Changemakers in Pakistan. Born and raised in Quetta, he has been instrumental in advancing the organization's mission to engage youth in democratic processes across underserved regions. His commitment extends beyond national borders, actively participating in international forums to voice the challenges and aspirations of Pakistani youth. Sulman's expertise lies in fostering inclusive dialogue and promoting policies that enhance civic participation among young populations.
Urban Youth Councils in Bangladesh, SERAC-Bangladesh
Bangladesh
SERAC-Bangladesh is a youth-focused non-governmental organisation committed to promoting civic engagement, human rights, and community development. The Urban Youth Councils project, in collaboration with UNDEF and supported by UN-HABITAT, aims to develop young people's leadership skills and encourage their involvement in decision-making processes in Bangladesh. Implemented since 2021 in four major cities - Narayanganj, Mymensingh, Rangpur and Rajshahi - the initiative aims to create platforms for young people to help shape the future of their communities. This unique model involves youth councils elected by the city's young people and attached to city authorities, bridging the gap between them and political structures. The aim is to ensure that urban policies and programmes truly reflect the needs of young people by encouraging their active participation in the design and implementation of solutions, aligning with the United Nations' vision that cities of youth are cities of prosperity.
Presenter:
SM Shaikat, Executive Director of SERAC-Bangladesh, champions youth rights, democratic participation, and community development. He launched the Urban Youth Councils in Bangladesh to boost youth civic engagement. Recognized as a global young leader by Women Deliver, he was elected as Youth Advisor to UN-Habitat. Shaikat is part of the UN Women's 30 for 2030 network, the Swedish Institute Leaders fellowship, and the U.S. State Department’s International Visitors Leadership Program. Honored as a Bayer Scholar, 120 Under 40 Champion, and 2024 Young Global Changer Recoupling Award recipient, his leadership advances youth advocacy and rights protection in Bangladesh.
RinVote Series, National Youth Congress
Albania
The National Youth Congress of Albania (NYC) is an NGO that promotes youth empowerment through political education, civic engagement, and media literacy. Launched in 2019, the RinVote series aims to engage Albanian youth in democratic processes through a comprehensive four-day academy on democratic principles, governance, local and government reforms. Each cycle offers 14 to 20 young people the opportunity to improve their skills, particularly in public speaking and media communication, through in-depth media training. The "RinON" televised debates are an essential pillar of RinVote, where young people debate directly with political candidates on issues crucial to their communities and the nation. These debates are broadcasted on Euronews Albania at prime time, enabling young people to make their voices heard and influence public discourse. In this way, RinVote promotes respectful and constructive dialogue, fostering informed civic participation and an open media space.
Presenter:
"Klajdi Priska is the Policy Officer at the National Youth Congress of Albania, where he leads youth policy initiatives, foreign relations, and the 'RinON part of the RinVote Series.' He holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Humboldt University of Berlin and the University of Tirana. With extensive experience in youth advocacy, Klajdi has worked in the Albanian Parliament and collaborated with international organizations such as UN agencies, FES, KAS, HSS, and GIZ. Currently pursuing an MSc in Global Affairs at King’s College London, he also serves on the Governing Board of RYCO, representing Albania in regional youth cooperation efforts."
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