Strasbourg, 11.08.2008 – “It is in our territorial communities where young people first experience democracy and feel most involved in democratic processes,” stated Yavuz Mildon, President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, on the occasion of International Youth Day, 12 August.
“The Congress strongly believes that much more could and should be done for greater involvement of young people and their increased active participation in local and regional life: This remains an important challenge for local and regional elected representatives.
“To this end, the Congress proposes lines of action to stimulate young people's interest, commitment and involvement in the life of our cities and regions, in particular by making full use of the European Charter on Participation of Young People in Municipal and Regional Life. “The Charter offers local and regional politicians a flexible and coherent framework in the priority areas such as the promotion of youth employment, education and professional training, sport and leisure activities. Practical tools for youth participation such as training courses, advice centres, youth projects and using local media created for and by young people are strong components to encourage their active involvement. The setting up of a network of youth councils, as it has been done in Bosnia-Herzegovina, is one example of good practice at the national level. “We must emphasise full integration of young people and promotion of their participation in community life and democratic decision-making processes. More youth involvement today means more democratic stability tomorrow,” stressed President Mildon.
“The Congress strongly believes that much more could and should be done for greater involvement of young people and their increased active participation in local and regional life: This remains an important challenge for local and regional elected representatives.
“To this end, the Congress proposes lines of action to stimulate young people's interest, commitment and involvement in the life of our cities and regions, in particular by making full use of the European Charter on Participation of Young People in Municipal and Regional Life. “The Charter offers local and regional politicians a flexible and coherent framework in the priority areas such as the promotion of youth employment, education and professional training, sport and leisure activities. Practical tools for youth participation such as training courses, advice centres, youth projects and using local media created for and by young people are strong components to encourage their active involvement. The setting up of a network of youth councils, as it has been done in Bosnia-Herzegovina, is one example of good practice at the national level. “We must emphasise full integration of young people and promotion of their participation in community life and democratic decision-making processes. More youth involvement today means more democratic stability tomorrow,” stressed President Mildon.
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