“The representation of women and young people in political institutions is key to empowering and amplifying their voices throughout our societies.”, stressed Chair of the Congress’ Current Affairs Committee Thomas Andersson (Sweden, ILDG) during the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM)’s Euro-Mediterranean and Gulf Economic Forum held on 7-8 December 2022 in Marrakesh (Morocco).

“The Congress has been at the forefront of the fight to include more women in politics and introduced, as early as 2008, a gender quota for national delegations, set at 30%. As a result, the actual representation of women in Congress national delegations is now at 41%”, stated Thomas Andersson. He called on local and regional authorities to take actions for a better participation of women in decision-making, by implementing Congress recommendations on accelerating women’s participation, gender budgeting and “Fighting sexist violence against women in politics at local and regional level” as well as its practical guide on “Preventing and combatting sexism at local level”.

“Towns and villages, cities and regions are best placed to engage young people and youth organisations directly in democratic processes”, underlined Mr Andersson, highlighting the Congress commitment to promote youth participation in civic life in both rural and urban settings. He referred in particular to  the European Charter on the participation of young people in municipal and regional life, and to the Congress reports on “Youth and democracy: the changing face of youth political engagement” and on the future of youth in rural areas.

Mr Andersson stressed the importance of developing partnerships across the Mediterranean Sea, such as the Congress South-Med programme. “These partnerships are a good opportunity for peer-to-peer exchange of experiences and good practices. We will continue supporting the efforts of local and regional authorities on both shores of the Mediterranean to promote the political representation of women and young people and their participation in decision-making processes,” he concluded.

• Speech of Thomas Andersson
• PAM agenda  English / French
• Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM)

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) is the principal forum where the national Parliaments of the Euro-Mediterranean region deliberate to reach those strategic objectives towards the creation of the best political, social, economic and cultural environment and conditions for the fellow citizens of the member states. Established in 2005, it brings together 29 member States from the three shores of the Mediterranean.