Youth delegates from 42 member states of the Council of Europe took part in the debates at the 36th Session of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities. This participation was part of the Congress’s “Rejuvenating politics” initiative, which, since 2014, has sought to promote youth participation in public life and in the decision-making process at local and regional levels.
In his discussion with members of the Congress, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Thorbjørn JAGLAND, welcomed the participation of the youth delegates, stating that “This initiative, which enables young people to take the floor in debates and meetings, is literally a vision of our future”.
Youth delegates took a particularly active part in the debates on the future of the Council of Europe, on nepotism, on mayors safeguarding democracy, on open government at regional level and in the open discussion held by the Chamber of Regions. In addition, they prepared a collective contribution, which was presented by one youth delegate on behalf of all, concerning the social rights of young people, a topic which had been included in the Congress agenda at the request of the youth delegates.
Presented on 3 April 2019, by co-rapporteurs Liisa ANSALA (Finland, ILDG) and Piero FASSINO (Italy, SOC), the report reiterates the principles of the European Social Charter and its collective complaints mechanism. It emphasises the role of local and regional authorities in their implementation, the importance of raising awareness among young people through various initiatives and of co-ordinating action at all levels of governance.
- List of youth delegates
- Mediabox Interview
*** 36th Session of the Congress ***
