Eurodesk Network’s Post

📰 New Article Alert 📰: "Exploring the effectiveness of youth outreach programmes: the case of Singapore" by Soojin Kim, Kai Jun Tay, Clare Jing Wen Ong, and Assel Mussagulova, Ph.D. Abstract: In recent decades, some governments have sought greater youth participation in government and public life. This study examines Singapore’s efforts to foster youth participation in government-led community service projects, public conversations, and opportunities for citizen feedback. Using a mixed-methods design that combines a survey questionnaire and semi-structured interviews, we explore the effectiveness of these government outreach programmes in the eyes of youth themselves, and whether they meet the government’s goal of promoting the active and engaged participation of young Singaporeans over the long term. We find that while local youth value the opportunity to participate meaningfully in governance, they also critique the government-led youth participation initiatives as top-down, choreographed, and inauthentic, saying that the views expressed therein do not sufficiently represent youth in Singapore. They also suggest feasible strategies to achieve genuine, inclusive youth participation in the public decision-making process. Link: https://lnkd.in/dEvdu6De

🎉 EU4Youth: Starting today, all information about the youth programmes and activities implemented by the National Youth Agency of Moldova can be accessed on the new website tineret.gov.md. This site is intended to become the main source of information for young people, youth workers, youth organisations, youth centers, youth councils, and students, providing direct access to information, contacts, publications, as well as opportunities for personal and professional development. 💡 The new site represents an important step in promoting and supporting youth initiatives at the national level. Through its user-friendly design, intuitive structure, and content available in three languages, the platform facilitates users' access to programmes implemented by the National Youth Agency, a database of key structures and actors in the youth sector, events organised by the Agency and its partners, the latest news from the youth sector, national and international opportunities, and many other essential elements. The website tineret.gov.md was created with the financial support of the European Union and the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) within the EU4Youth: Youth Engagement and Empowerment project, implemented by GIZ. #EU4Youth #YouthEngagement #YouthEmpowerment

📋 The ‘EU4Youth: Youth Engagement and Empowerment’ project organises two information sessions dedicated to its recently announced grant competition for youth organisations operating in Moldova. The small grant scheme aims to improve the quality and outreach of youth work. The youth civil society organisations (CSO) are invited to propose and pilot innovative measures and practices engaging young people, in particular from remote and less advantaged locations. The project proposals for youth organisations from Moldova should cover one of the following thematic areas: - Climate change and environment. - Inclusion of young people with fewer opportunities. - Enhancing youth participation at local, regional and national levels. 💰 The grant amount shall not exceed €15,000 per grant project. To help applicants familiarise themselves with this call, the project will organise two information sessions: 1. 💻Online session, on May 30 from 14:00 to 15:00. 2. 📍Offline session, on June 6 from 14:00 to 15:00 at Europe Café. 📌 Please, register using this form to receive the link for the online meeting and to book a spot for the offline meeting: https://lnkd.in/dwAYQAfQ The information sessions will be held in Romanian. 🔗 For more details, please, check this link: https://lnkd.in/dGv8TafK The funding opportunity is provided within the ‘EU4Youth: Youth Engagement and Empowerment’ project co-funded by the European Union and German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) as part of the ‘Strengthening Civil Society in the Eastern Partnership’ Project. #EU4Youth #YouthEngagement #YouthEmpowerment

House of Representatives, National Assembly Official Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE *House of Representatives Celebrates Nigeria's Youth on International Youth Day 2024,* - _Reaffirms Commitment to Sustainable Development_ *Abuja, FCT – Monday, August 12, 2024 –* The Nigeria House of Representatives extends heartfelt congratulations to Nigeria’s youth on the occasion of International Youth Day 2024. This year’s theme, “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development,” resonates profoundly with the legislative priorities of the 10th House of Representatives. With over 60% of Nigeria’s population under the age of 35, and approximately 110 million young people aged 15-34, the youth are a vital force driving our country's future. Recognising their potential, the House is committed to empowering young Nigerians as a key strategy for achieving sustainable development. In alignment with this commitment, the House introduced Agenda 6 on Inclusion, which focuses on integrating youth into national development processes. The establishment of two dedicated committees – the Committee on Youth Development and the Committee on Youth in Parliament – in July 2023, further exemplifies this commitment. These committees play a crucial role in addressing youth-related issues and ensuring that young Nigerians have a voice in legislative matters. At a recent Town Hall Meeting with Youth Groups and Organisations, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, reinforced this dedication. announcing the House’s commitment to engaging with the youth biannually. An initiative that aims to facilitate ongoing dialogue, ensuring that the concerns and ideas of young Nigerians are integrated into legislative processes. In a special message to young Nigerians, Speaker Abbas, notes that "the 10th House, under my leadership, has prioritised youth-oriented legislation and will continue to give issues affecting Nigeria's youth the utmost attention that they deserve." He also urges the youth to remain patriotic and law-abiding, while seeking their belief that Nigeria would succeed. Chairman of the House Committee on Youth Development, Rep. Esin Martins Etim (PDP, Akwa Ibom), further stated: “Aligned with our Legislative Agenda, we are resolute in advocating for a youth-responsive budget to strengthen youth empowerment and broaden access to vocational and technological training. Our commitment is to formulate policies that advance digital literacy and open up opportunities for young Nigerians to thrive in an increasingly digital world." Chairman of the House Committee on Youth in Parliament, Rep. Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala (APC, Oyo), adds: “The 10th House of Representatives is dedicated to providing economic opportunities, fostering inclusion, and enhancing youth participation in governance...

Youth Focus North East is proud to hold the function of the Regional Youth Work Unit (RYWU) for the North East. Within this function we are a key member of the National Network of RYWU’S https://lnkd.in/e9WzWyf The Network welcomes the announcement of a National Youth Strategy by Lisa Nandy (Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport), and the recognition that future policy is co-produced with young people, "policymaking must adapt to embrace young voices and listen to their aspirations for a better future". We know there is a huge need for local services for young people and a cross-departmental strategy that enables all parts of the system to come together to support the next generation. Across our network we are committed to working in partnership to support the strategy and deliver better outcomes for young people in a rapidly changing environment. Within this, we know that the financial climate is exceptionally challenging, Local Authorities have experienced huge cuts to services, and we do not underestimate the pressures they are experiencing. The Local Youth Transformation Pilots must draw from the many examples of collaboration already in place across the Voluntary and Community Sector with the statutory sector. They will require resourcing to achieve change and must be designed with young people and the diversity of groups who are there to support them to achieve maximum value and impact and the Dormant Assets funding will need detail on how it will address this deficit. For the youth sector, many funders have paused their funding, and the closure of the National Citizen Service will have an impact on the resources available to voluntary sector groups and through this the young people who are supported by them. It represents another cut to already depleted services and the need to reinvest any funding in local designed services is critical. We have worked with the National Citizen Service and extend our support to the team there at this challenging time. The youth sector continues to be a vital component to delivering improved outcomes with and for young people and we are enthusiastic about the proposal for cross-sector collaborations and young people at the heart of the new strategy.  

Encouraging UK-German Youth Exchanges: Findings from the survey of young people, youth workers and youth organisations. --> https://lnkd.in/eNWFP2jN What does the future hold for youth exchanges between Germany and the UK? A survey commissioned by IJAB has analysed the situation in both countries and shows how international youth work can be strengthened. The researchers interviewed professionals and young people who are interested in or have taken part in an exchange. This research was conducted by People Dialogue and Change on behalf of IJAB – International Youth Service of the Federal Republic of Germany. The survey was conducted as part of the UK-German cooperation under the umbrella of UK-German Connection.

📍🇷🇴 Exciting News Alert! 🚀 Join us for a remarkable journey through the rural world, starting this Wednesday in the magical setting of Sângeorz-Băi, Bistrița Năsăud county, Romania! 🌟 The multiplier event, organized by GAL NAPOCA POROLISSUM, aims to promote and share two key project results: a guide on best practices in rural youth engagement and a methodology for organizing rural youth parliaments. These tools are designed to actively engage young people from disadvantaged communities. 📅 The event will span a day in Romania, featuring interactive workshops and a Rural Youth Parliament agenda: 1️⃣ Introduction to the project and its outcomes 2️⃣ Benefits of youth involvement in community life 3️⃣ Simulation rules and participant roles 4️⃣ Decision-making simulation on policy themes 5️⃣ Conclusions of the Rural Youth Parliament 6️⃣ Evaluation and issuance of diplomas 👥 The offline event will host 20 young people from rural areas, along with youth workers, educators, local stakeholders, and one representative from each project partner. Additionally, the event will be live-streamed on the project's Facebook page, allowing youth workers, trainers, and organizations worldwide to participate and learn about the project results. 🎯 Target Groups: 1️⃣ Young participants to enhance their awareness and skills in public speaking, cooperation, negotiation, and debate. 2️⃣ Danish youth workers to discover new tools for their work and witness the benefits of rural parliaments. 3️⃣ Project staff to observe and learn from the event's execution. 📚 Learning Objectives: The event will facilitate knowledge exchange, debate, and training to better prepare organizations to support young people, foster tolerance, and encourage active citizenship. Transnational collaboration will enrich the learning experience and expand networks for future cooperation. 💡 Key Themes: The event will address methods for involving rural youth in policymaking, promoting active citizenship, and tackling issues facing disadvantaged communities. Special emphasis will be placed on engaging marginalized groups and minorities. 🌐 Online Participation: Online sessions will accommodate up to 40 participants, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among youth workers globally. 🤝 Let's collaborate to empower rural youth and create positive change! Don't miss out on this enriching experience! #RuralYouthParliament #YouthEngagement #ActiveCitizenship #ErasmusPlus #Romania

🌍🎥 Call for Video Messages! 🎥🌍 Are you passionate about meaningful youth engagement in shaping our future? Here's your chance to be heard globally! The Side Event “Towards a Global Standard for Meaningful Youth Engagement in the Pact for the Future” organized by the International Association Of Youth and Students for Peace & UN Youth Delegates and Youth Representatives of Austria, Czechia, Denmark, Ireland, Kenya, Malta, Switzerland, the United States of America and the European Union is seeking your input! 🔍 The Question: How can meaningful youth engagement be enhanced in the development and implementation of the Pact of the Future, ensuring that youth voices influence policy and decision-making processes? 🌟 Why Participate? This side event is a unique opportunity to address critical questions surrounding youth involvement in shaping policies and decisions at national and international levels. Your insights can contribute to overcoming barriers and maximizing opportunities for youth participation, in line with the Secretary General’s call for meaningful youth engagement outlined in 'Our Common Agenda Policy Brief 3'. Your video will be a part of fostering substantive discussions and practical insights through an intergenerational and interactive dialogue. 🔍 The Context: With the Summit of the Future (SOTF) addressing youth engagement at the highest level, and the ECOSOC Youth Forum providing a pivotal platform for global dialogue on sustainable development, your voice matters now more than ever. The outcome document of the Summit, the Pact for the Future, is set to turbocharge SDG implementation and establish a global standard for meaningful youth engagement, as requested in its zero-draft policy. 📝 How to Participate: Film horizontally in quiet surroundings. Share your insights and solutions to the provided question. Provide your name, country, and fill in the transfer of rights google form: https://lnkd.in/d6K3KfwZ Send your video via WeTransfer to [email protected] or upload online on instagram tag @at_unyd and @africanunyouthdelagates. Deadline: 6th April 2024 🌐 Join the conversation on meaningful youth engagement and contribute to shaping policy and decision-making processes! Let's work together for a sustainable future. #YouthEngagement #PactForTheFuture #GlobalDialogue 🌟 African Union Youth Division African Youths Making Moves #ECOSOCYOUTHFORUM #Summitofthefuture

The launch of “Engage!” by the Albanese Government is a step in the right direction, recognizing the crucial input that firsthand experiences and academically engaged youth bring to policy-making. Genuine engagement requires not only listening to diverse perspectives but also valuing the insights gained from real-world encounters and academic research. I hope “Engage!”translates these acknowledgments into concrete actions, ensuring that youth voices are not only heard but also actively incorporated into shaping policies that affect their lives. #YouthEmpowerment #PolicyInclusion

The National Youth Agency has released more information on how interested parties can take part in their consultation on the revival of a national youth council. 1. An online consultation open until the end of Dec 2024, and 2. A call to organisations to facilitate focus-groups for young people to have their say. See #blog below for #links to support materials and my reaction. This all comes as #LisaNandyMP Minister at DCMS, announced that the #Governments new National Youth Strategy, will be a co-produced process with young people taking the lead with input from a youth advisory group on their participation. https://lnkd.in/eyKcgajk I have previously said that #youthvoice representation initiatives are only as effective as their connection to a #youthlisten initiative, two sides of the same coin, meaningful dialogue. Is this Governments announcement the first step to the establishment of a #YouthMinister who will not only coordinate youth policy at Cabinet level, but will also be the focal point for listening to our #national #youthvoice? https://lnkd.in/eRBeqRZQ