Nathalie Tackling, Minister of Justice and Security of St. Maarten, met with representatives from of the Youth Department today during her official visit to the Council of Europe.
The meeting centred on strategies to re-engage young people as active partners in democratic processes, addressing concerns about declining trust in democratic institutions and reduced youth participation in civic life.
Young people must be recognised as important actors in co-creating democracies, not just recipients of justice or policy – was one of the main messages of the meeting. The Minister and Youth Department representatives explored how young people should be actively involved in shaping decisions that directly impact their lives.
The talks also highlighted the critical need for justice systems to adopt more inclusive, empowering, and restorative approaches when working with youth populations.
The Council of Europe has maintained a strong commitment to youth engagement for over five decades through its Joint Council on Youth and European Youth Centres, providing safe spaces for international dialogue, co-operation, non-formal education, and collaborative decision-making among young people across Europe.
During the meeting, officials underscored the importance of the Council of Europe's new Democratic Pact, which aims to rebuild public trust in democracy by promoting youth involvement.
The timing of Minister Tackling's visit coincides with the youth sector's finalisation of the Council of Europe's Reference Framework on a Youth Perspective. This comprehensive policy document is designed to promote meaningful youth engagement in policymaking across all areas affecting young people, including justice systems, digital governance, and democratic participation.
The Reference Framework is scheduled to be presented at the 10th Council of Europe Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth, taking place in Valletta, Malta, on 8 – 9 October 2025.
