COPENHAGEN, 18 February 2022 – The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s webinar Friday, “Youth contribution to strengthening of rule of law, democracy and human rights in the OSCE area,” explored ways to increase young people’s participation in decision-making processes. In a lively discussion, OSCE parliamentarians and invited guests shared various approaches to enhancing youth engagement, which, it was stressed, is essential to promote good public policy across the OSCE area.
In her opening remarks, the OSCE PA’s Special Representative on Youth Engagement, Dutch parliamentarian Farah Karimi, said: “Within the OSCE region, we witness growing political tensions, the shrinking of the democratic space and violations of human rights. At the same time, the world has the largest youth population that it has ever seen. In some countries within the OSCE area, over 50 per cent of the population is youth.”
The world, therefore, cannot afford to ignore the contribution of these younger generations if it hopes to solve global challenges, Karimi said.
OSCE PA President Margareta Cederfelt (Sweden) said that young people represent an important part of global society whose opinions and vision must be taken into consideration. She highlighted the work of many national parliaments to promote youth participation. “Let’s focus on what we can achieve as members of the OSCE PA to enhance the recognition of youth participation to strengthen rule of law, democracy and human rights in our regions,” Cederfelt said.
Maria Raczynska, Special Representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office on Youth and Security, said that as Special Representative, her role essentially is to listen. “To understand the problems of youth,” she said, “we have to hear them.” But while listening is the first step, the second step is improving youth participation, and therefore the question becomes how to facilitate the contributions of young people. She noted that the energy that the youth bring is its biggest asset, as young people are action-oriented and willing to do things in order to move progress forward. She therefore urged young people to get involved by running for public office.
Inka Hopsu, Member of the OSCE PA Delegation of Finland, described the recently adopted Finnish National Action Plan on Youth, Peace and Security, describing in detail her country’s policies to promote youth participation. Young people have a central role to play in public life, she said, and must have safe spaces to meet and take part in decision-making processes.
Ukrainian parliamentarian Alona Shkrum spoke about Ukraine’s experience, pointing out that the Verkhovna Rada is the second-youngest parliament in the world, with an average age of 41. She noted that countries struggling to increase youth political participation might consider implementing quota systems.
Simon Lindkaer of the European Youth Forum discussed the Youth Progress Index, which he noted is the most comprehensive measure of the quality of life of young people in 150 countries around the world. Using global data, the YPI addresses the most important questions about the wellbeing of younger generations, he said, and noted that engaging young people creates better policy and social progress. The best way to find solutions to problems is by bringing young people into the process, Lindkaer noted.
In the discussion, Roger Padreny (Andorra) highlighted the progress within the OSCE PA in incorporating youth perspectives. He encouraged young parliamentarians to get involved in the informal network that now exists within the PA to promote youth engagement. OSCE PA Members also talked about initiatives in their own countries to promote youth engagement. The importance of youth perspectives on peace and security was also emphasized.
For video of today’s event, please click here.
