essay on youth parliament

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Youth Participation in Parliaments and Peace and Security

This paper highlights linkages between youth participation in parliament and peace and security in the world. Youth are vastly underrepresented among the world’s parliamentarians, only 1.9 per cent of whom are under the age of 30. This gap in representation undermines the legitimacy of institutions, exacerbates feelings of disempowerment among youth, and limits parliaments’ ability to address key issues that affect youth. In addition, the international community has increasingly recognized the political exclusion of youth as a key potential factor in youth’s involvement in violent activity. UN Security Council Resolution 2250 (UNSCR 2250) specifically urges Member States to increase inclusive representation of youth in decision making at all levels to prevent and resolve conflict. This paper shows that youth participation in parliament has so far not been in a position to strongly impact on peace and security, a finding based on close examination of four post-conflict or transition contexts (the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Somalia, Sri Lanka, and Tunisia) as well as extensive desk research on other contexts around the globe. The low numbers of young members of parliament (MPs) and the difficulty for them to hold leadership positions within parliament limit opportunities for them (and their allies) to develop and advance a specific youth agenda, including implementation of UNSCR 2250. At the same time, this paper identifies three areas where improved youth participation in parliament has resulted in positive outcomes that may advance peace and stability in the long run. These include: - the establishment of new linkages between youth and parliament; - the use of young parliamentarians as mediators; and - the promotion of dialogue in divided societies through young parliamentarians. While it is too early to measure their impact, these trends are promising. Some important challenges remain. These include continuing legal (i.e. limitation of youth participation in public life due to age restrictions to run for office), political, social and other barriers for young people in getting elected and working in parliament; the fact that young MPs do not always identify with youth or defend youth interests; limited access for youth organizations to influence parliamentary decisions; possible security concerns for young people involved in politics; and a lack of confidence among young people in government institutions more generally. It is thus essential for national governments and parliaments, together with international organizations, civil society and youth, to address these challenges in order to fulfill the potential contributions of youth participation in parliaments to peace and security efforts. Above all, these efforts should focus on: - increasing the number and capacities of young parliamentarians; - strengthening links between young parliamentarians and youth organizations; - building young people’s knowledge and confidence in political processes and institutions; and - creating opportunities for youth by facilitating access to education, employment, health, sports and culture.

Related Papers

Ayolla Osholla

It is generally believed that the youth form a larger part of the working population of any country and this speaks volume of the productivity level of any country. The youth play significant roles in the politics of any nation regardless of their political affiliation. It is not uncommon to have a youth wing in political parties all over the globe. This implies that youths are indispensable in politics. Moreover politics cannot be complete without the youths playing active roles therein. The youth must be ready to empower themselves to gain relevance in the nation so as to be able to play their roles in resolving the challenges. As such, there is the need to always put youth inclusion in politics in perspective to maximize a nation’s human resources. The vibrancy of youths makes them indispensable in politics. As such their inclusion in politics cannot be overemphasized. The energy of the youths if well channeled into politics will go a long way to affirm their relevance in the polity of the country in which they find themselves.

drew dunbrack , Michael McGill , Christina Voigt Leblanc , Danijela Radic , Henk-Jan Brinkman , Matthew Scott

The primary objective of this Practice Note is to inform policymakers and donors of key strategic and programming considerations for supporting young people’s participation to peacebuilding. Specifically, this note has been developed to: • offer evidence-based, promising practices in youth peacebuilding in the field; • advance the understanding of donors and policy-makers of complex and often interconnected policy and programme considerations for more holistic support to youth peacebuilding interventions, and; • enhance the effectiveness of policies and funding strategies of bilateral and multilateral donors and agencies supporting youth peacebuilding interventions. This Practice Note summarizes the situation of youth in conflict-affected environments, argues the importance of investing in youth and peacebuilding, addresses existing assumptions and theories of change regarding youth and peacebuilding, and overviews key issues and highlights a variety of promising practices in different sectors and thematic areas. The development of this Practice Note was a collaborative effort led by the IANYD Working Group on Youth and Peacebuilding, which includes 40 partner organizations primarily from civil society and the United Nations.

Muhammad Saud

Federico M Rossi

Young people express an increasing rejection of institutional politics and its classic actors, which has led to the assertion that youth are apathetic. This article intends to show why this affirmation is partial and does not reflect the underlying complexity of what motivates political participation in young people. The hypothesis is that since young people interpret the youth condition as transitory, they do not consider youth political participation an end in itself. While the youth condition does not structure political participation or constitute actors and political projects, there are specificities of youth political participation that need to be identified. For the purpose of identifying what motivates youth to participate -- and how and where do they tend to do so -- three cases of political involvement are presented: ATTAC Argentina, the Klampun Community of Papua New Guinea and the World YWCA. The theoretical sections rest on a broadly based research study suggest a reformulation of the common adult perception on youth political participation.

fenty yolanda pratiwi

This research explains that it is very important to bring youth into politic. We usually hear that youth is the nation's next generation, on the shoulders the future of this nation is at stake. Judging from the behavior, the behavior of young people now has begun to appear apathetic, meaning that the behavior does not care about a socialization of society, even though it is very necessary to continue the life of today's society, Youth seem to act at will, meaning that it doesn't matter what is happening and doesn't hear much what people say as long as he thinks it's good to keep on doing it. but with the right direction and guidance, the youth will be extraordinary. Various strengths, idealism and passionate enthusiasm are significant assets to carry out this task. like a sentence once said by President Soekarno "Give me 1000 parents, surely I will pluck the roots of Semeru. Give me 10 young men I will undoubtedly shake the world.". these words reflect how youth have an important role as agents of change.

Sladjana Petkovic

Executive Summary This policy study addresses prerequisites for youth participation in decision making process on issues that concerns them in municipalities in Montenegro, aiming to offer alternatives and policy recommendations to the local governments in order to improve participatory practice and develop sustainable and institutionalized mechanisms for youth involvement on equal basis, as well as to provide standards and prevent the decline of established democratic practices during policy vacuum between two strategies for youth in Montenegro. The study is based on qualitative research, primarily focus groups and semi structured interviews with selected representatives of the policy community in municipalities which have started with localization of the national strategy for youth and development of the participatory mechanisms for young people at the local level. Selected municipalities were divided in three regions (northern, central and southern), reflecting overall diversity of the Montenegrin society in terms of geography, political affiliation, demography, regional importance etc. Apart from local, interviews involved representatives of the national youth bodies responsible to assist municipalities in the process of localization of the national strategy for youth. The study includes analysis of the secondary data such as strategic documents referring to youth on national and international level, national legislative framework (Law on Local Self Governments, Higher Education Law, Law on the University), annual governmental reports, NGO reports, situational overview of the implementation of the national youth strategy (IOM,2010), and analysis of the reports made by the National Youth Steering Committee of Montenegro (NYCS) referring to the Annual Conference on Youth Policy in Montenegro 2011, and round tables on youth participation. The purpose of this policy study is to address the problem of a lack of standardized and institutionalized mechanizms for youth participation on municipal level in Montenegro, addressing its various aspects, such as: lack of opportunities for young people to participate in decizion making on issues which concerns them on equal basis, low degree of youth participation within existing structures, a lack of capacities for implementation and improvement of youth participatory practice at the local level, and inadequate legislative framework. The study strives to offer policy alternatives and evidence based policy recommendations in order to assist municipalities to develop sustainable structures for youth participation in the decision making process on issues that concerns them at the local level, as well as to prevent the decline of existing democratic practices by setting the standards during the policy vacuum in Montenegro. It can be said that existing mechanisms of citizens participation at the local level does not reach young people and does not provide their full participation in decision making on issues which concerns them on equal basis. While facing different challenges, young people need more specific and better organized means of support and it seems that traditional approaches are not adequate enough for addressing the multidimensional nature of youth issues.Therefore, governmental intervention is needed in order to provide conditions for young people to make active contribution in social transformation, especially at the local level. Intervention needs to be focused on the creation of opportunities for youth to participate in decision making process on an equal basis through establishment of co-management based mechanisms, followed by capacity building of the stakeholders in municipalities, and the creation of the legal framework, or adjustment of the existing regulations. Overall, even if some progress has been made in recent years, it can be said that the development of local structures and capacities aimed to support active youth involvement in decision making on equal basis is lacking. There is the impression that the development of local capacities is random, rather than being structured and organized. The model of youth participation based on co-management principles and values is also missing at the local level, as well as the guidelines to municipalities in order to assist them in achieving their goals. In addition, there is a lack of financial capacities on municipal level in order to be able to develop sustainable participatory mechanisms for young people. Therefore, this policy study is set to explore and offer some possible solutions for existing problems. Maintaining the status quo would not require any additional significant input by the municipality, which makes it rather attractive. Local self governments are often keen to perform “formal” changes, instead of undertaking substantial and constructive actions, demonstrating genuine care for their youth and willingness to change and transform their practice. On the other hand, there are numerous forms of youth involvement existing at the local level which does not provide youth participation in the decision making process, but reduce young people to passive implementers and consumers. Formally appointed youth officers can be the indicator of municipal willingness to deal with youth issues, even if they do not have any substantial decision making power or skills to cope with such complex issues. Adding new duties related to youth to the existing municipal units (instead of creating new participatory forms based on co-management principals) makes them even less efficient and overloaded. Overall, keeping the status quo leads to the deepening of the gap between youth and the local authorities which can have long term bad consequences, having in mind that young people in proportion to their number (23.2% of the population of Montenegro) should represent, if not the most important, then one of the main actors in the creation of the entire social reality (NYAP, 2006). The ideal solution would refer to provision of the long term sustainable conditions and framework for youth participation in decision making process. The ideal solution implies the development of the local strategies for youth with youth, accompanied with shared responsibility for the budgets for their implementation. It includes establishment of youth participatory structures, including Councils for Youth (CfY) based on co-management principals at the local level. Those structures would be directly involved in implementation of the local strategies, deciding on issues concerning youth. Accordingly, a larger commitment of the Government in addressing youth issues would be required, as well as increase of the national budget for National Youth Action Plan implementation. Support to municipalities should be more coordinated and organized. In order to put the entire process in the legal framework it is essential to develop The Law on Youth in Montenegro. Although, it would be the long term solution to the youth issue placed in a sustainable framework, it requires much more time, funding, capacity building and the reconstruction of the legislative framework, which does not put it among optimal, but long term ideal solutions. Considering limited resources of Montenegrin municipalities, as well as the urgency for changing the status quo, the preferred policy option would be somewhere in the middle, providing direct youth participation in decision making process through new approach. Given that a number of municipalities have already started with development of the local strategies for young people and building structures, it is a good moment to create a co-management based model of youth participation in municipalities through establishment of the Councils for Youth (CfY), aimed to ensure that the local strategy really addresses the needs and problems of youth, and that young people are going to be involved in responsibility and power sharing while making decisions concerning them. Those bodies should be made on equal basis (youth presenting 50% of membership). Establishment of the CfYs does can be done through creation of the local regulations (Decisions and Rules of Procedure), and their financial sustainability can be provided through redirection of the existing national funds. This solution would encourage the youth to take part and have they say, as well as contribute to reduction of inter generational gap. Creation of the CfYs in different municipalities can enable networking in the horizontal and vertical level and thereby to obtain a broader front to advocate for the further process of localization of the NYAP, and increasing the budget for its implementation, including legislative framework development.

Modern Diplomacy

Željko Vukša-Fejzić

The Summit was not a perfect process or event, but it did create an important space for young people to share their unique insights for supporting democratic resilience and fighting against the rising tide of authoritarianism. Through youth and civil society-led events, as well as informal conversations amongst young leaders, the Summit provided a space to unpack in the process of sustaining and building democratic institutions that goes further than making democracy deliver, but actually work for all people, no matter their age. As governments and international organizations think about what comes next, as demonstrated by the meaningful incorporation of youth voices in the Summit process, the focus should be on taking intentional steps to make young people key players in the fight for global democracy.

Ransford E V Gyampo

Civil Society and many youth activists were elated when the youth, those aged between 21 and 40 years, were given prominence in Ghana's parliament after the 2012 elections. Indeed, as many as 44 young people were elected during Ghana's 2012 Parliamentary Elections. Prior to this, the number of young people in Ghana's parliament was negligible. In view of the demographic advantage of the youth and their invaluable contributions to Ghana's political history, there have been incessant calls for their representation and an eventual return to the days of the 1950s when politics was dominated by the youth. The outcome of the 2012 Parliamentary Elections was therefore hailed as unprecedented and described by many as a giant step towards youth representation in national decision making. However, a survey of all the young parliamentarians and some 4400 young people carefully selected through purposive sampling provides the basis for this paper's thesis that the growth in the number of young people in Ghana's parliament does not necessarily guarantee youth representation in national decision making; rather, it promotes tokenism, exclusivity and co-optation of the youth into decision-making structures of state. The study makes practical recommendations to create a relationship between youth in Ghana's parliament and youth representation.

Sanusi 'Bukunle

The article argues the need to put in place institutional structures that fosters the participation of young people in political and governance processes. This argument is premised on the appreciation of the youth bulge on the continent and the need to leverage this huge resource for the transformation of public services and political processes on the continent. Through a Nigerian lens, the author draws inferences from global and continental (African) experiences to support his argument. The article concludes that there are several comparable lessons on the continent that can be emulated.

Gerardo Berthin

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• Mar 11, 2022

REFLECTIONS ON THE COMMONWEALTH YOUTH PARLIAMENT: A YEAR THAT ASKED QUESTIONS

Updated: Apr 12, 2022

By Taofeekat Adigun

The Commonwealth Youth Gender and Equality Network (CYGEN) is a network of young experts advocating for gender equality and the rights of women, girls, and LGBTQ+ people across the Commonwealth. Following her participation at the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association’s virtual Commonwealth Youth Parliament in December 2020, Taofeekat Adigun reflects on the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on employment opportunities for youth, women, LGBTQ+ people and BAME communities.

One of the key issues discussed at the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association’s first-ever virtual Commonwealth Youth Parliament (CYP) was COVID-19 and Unemployment. Rightfully so, given the impacts COVID-19 have had on the economy. I represented the Commonwealth Youth Gender and Equality Network (CYGEN) as an expert witness for a committee session of the CYP and had the pleasure of discussing the disrupting impacts of COVID-19 on employment for youth; women; LGBTQ+ people; Black Asian, and Minority ethnic (BAME) communities; and people living with disabilities with fellow youth delegates from across the Commonwealth.

Sadly, the youth workforce has been vulnerable to the economic crisis caused by the coronavirus outbreak. The various responses taken to fight the pandemic have resulted in economic shutdowns across the globe. Industries employing the majority of working youth and women such as retail, food services, hospitality and travel were hit hardest by the pandemic leaving millions unemployed and out of work. According to a preliminary assessment report by The International Labor Organization , COVID-19 has increased unemployment and underemployment, while widening inequalities with a disproportionate impact on the most vulnerable, namely youth and women. The impacts of the pandemic on youth labour market outcomes have been severe in developed, emerging and developing countries.

COVID-19 IMPACTS ON JOB OUTLOOKS

The impact of the pandemic has been severe for women, LGBTQ+ and BAME communities, and even more devastating for young women, LGBTQ+ youth, and young people from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds. A recent McKinsey Global Institute study estimated that around the world, jobs held by women are 1.8 times more likely to be cut in this recession than those held by men. Women also make up 39 percent of global employment but account for 54 percent of overall job losses. Women work more in informal sector and low paying jobs which have been severely affected by the pandemic. The pressure of social norms that expect women to undertake unpaid care work is heightened with school and childcare centre closures. The gendered expectations for addressing childcare needs disproportionately impacts women, and can mean working reduced hours or ceasing work altogether when no sufficient alternatives are available. This further exacerbates gendered pay gaps and reinforces discriminatory notions of women’s right to work beyond the home. According to the Gender Social Norm Index released by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), more than half of those surveyed in South Asian, Middle Eastern, North African, and Sub-Saharan African countries agreed that men have more right to a job than women when jobs are scarce. About one in six respondents in developed countries said the same as well.

The pandemic has had a disproportionate impact on people of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities, expressions, and sexual characteristics as well. Compared to the general populace, LGBTQ+ people continue to experience distinct disparities in health, income, employment, and access to critical resources like housing and medical care, all of which leave them especially vulnerable. They also experience employment discrimination which restricts them to certain kinds of work, often in the informal sector, with less pay, little security and no benefits. Societal and institutional discrimination against LGBTQ+ people are major drivers of this disparity.

The impacts of COVID-19 have been especially distinct among communities of colour. Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) migrants were 1.3 times more likely to experience income loss due to COVID-19; being disproportionately affected by redundancy processes due to bias and racial injustice. Throughout the pandemic, Black Lives Matter (BLM) protests across the globe have further highlighted how deeply rooted racism is in society and how it remains a lived experience, particularly for Black people. These events show that despite greater focus on diversity and inclusion in recent years, progress on tackling racism is slow. We still have a lot to do in building fair and truly inclusive societies and organizations free of racism.

ADOPTING TO NEW REALITIES

Beyond lay-offs and redundancies, the impacts of upsurge in temporary contracts in the world of work are now even more apparent. For those still working, conditions have worsened, leaving many with precarious earnings or no income at all. The continued instability of the pandemic deepens the reluctance of employers to return to full-time and permanent employment models. The continued surge in temporary and part-time jobs means lower pay, and more insecure and unsafe jobs with little stability and benefits.

Certainly, the pandemic year has had us all asking questions and CYP delegates were not exempt from this as they came fully packed with reflective and powerful questions. Delegates discussed the extent of the inequalities on minority groups, positive correlation between COVID-19 cases and experiences of social inequities pre-COVID, key policy shifts needed to stimulate economic participation for women out of work due to the pandemic and more. One delegate was a direct victim of job loss resulting from the gendered burden of childcare. Sadly, the circles of inequality, powerlessness, and multi-faceted deprivation existed prior to COVID-19 and are simply being starkly highlighted and exacerbated. These disparities will continue post-pandemic if we fail to act.

THE WAY FORWARD

The future of works has come faster with the onset of the COVID-19 crisis and the speed of digital transformation. Many jobs will disappear and the new jobs that are created will have increasing demand for rapid technological and digital skills, which urgently requires an upskilling of our populations. My experience leading “STUDENT NETWORK”, an initiative centred on providing mentorship, skill acquisition, and career insight to young people in Nigeria, focuses on youth employability and providing relevant skills and training needed for upskilling in various career paths. To help create sustainable opportunities and networks that enable youth aspirations and business to thrive, COVID-19 Youth Funds supporting youth initiative on collaborative projects, entrepreneurship schemes, and business development need to be put at the forefront of policy action.

As businesses across the globe collectively race to adapt to the new realities of COVID-19, they cannot afford to deprioritize their efforts to advance the inclusion of women, the BAME community, LGBTQ+ people and other minorities. Governments and decision-makers across all sectors must also engage a wider perspective in all processes. For instance, gender-sensitive policies need to comprehensively recognized and respond to women’s work-life realities. Funding programs need to be accessible to women entrepreneurs, with a special focus on women-owned enterprises accessing capital to kick-start or sustain businesses to further promote gender diversity. Most importantly, access to education and training specifically geared toward empowering young women and girls is essential to prepare them for the future of work in automation and technology.

Through my own work and discussions at the CYP it is helpful to reflect on how essential it is to pay attention to structural inequalities that are so starkly highlighted by the pandemic. We must adopt more inclusive and sustainable approaches throughout our COVID-19 recovery efforts in creating policy that addresses the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on minority groups. Importantly, this will involve resolving the generations of discrimination, multi-dimensional neglect, and comprehensive harms fuelled even before the pandemic and likely to evolve further following it. As a society, inclusion is increasingly recognized as fundamental to our continued progress and development. Thus, in looking toward a post-coronavirus world embracing this belief with respect to employment and opportunity will be critical to our success.

UN Women ; COVID19 impacts on Women

Human Rights Watch ; LGBTQ Inequality and Vulnerability in the Pandemic.

Conversation Africa. Inc. “Black, Asia, and Ethnic Minority”

World Future Council , “Solution for our common future”

International Labor Organization , “Report on COVID-19 Impacts On Youth Employment”

McKinsey Global Report ; COVID-19 and gender equality: Countering the regressive effects

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Express your opinions in the European Youth Parliament

Last updated on Sunday, 05/09/2021

The European Youth Parliament is a network of young people from all over Europe who are interested in voicing their opinions on political and social issues, building across borders and gaining valuable skills.

Are you curious to discover alternative views, other cultures, new people and have fun? Everyone aged between 15 and 24 and based in Europe, not only the EU, is invited to take part.

What is it about?

The European Youth Parliament (EYP) is one of the best platforms for interested young Europeans to engage in political debate, encounter new cultures, and exchange ideas with other young people from all over Europe. 

The EYP is a network of independent youth organisations active in 40 countries across Europe under the umbrella of the Schwarzkopf Foundation Young Europe that hosts the EYP International Office. 

How does it work?

The EYP organises international, regional and national sessions which can last from 2 hours to 10 days. Those activities involve over 30,000 young people every year.

Debates cover a wide range of topics, often related to international politics or human rights, but also including fields such as climate change, health and energy. Guided by peer moderators, young people take part in a series of activities.

“No matter what your background is, everyone is welcome and everyone is given an opportunity to participate in the European Youth Parliament!” Carlota (20), active volunteer in Portugal

Do you want to join?

As a start, we recommend that you have a look through the website of the European Youth Parliament to understand the philosophy behind this initiative. Ready to join? 

Here are the steps:

• Contact the EYP in your country and find out where to start. If your country is not listed, you can contact the EYP’s international office.
• Attend an EYP event: you can register for an event in your country with your national EYP and experience it first-hand.
• Become a member of the EYP.

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Mission, Strategy & Values

Our mission is to inspire and empower a young generation of informed, open-minded, responsible, and active citizens that shape society and drive impact and positive change.

The long-term development of the European Youth Parliament (EYP) is laid out in our strategy for 2021 to 2027. It sustains a vibrant and relevant youth network that provides inspiration and learning opportunities for all young Europeans. All actors of the EYP network – Members, National Committees, and International Governance Entities – are involved in driving the strategy forward. They take action through tools, events, and policies of different scales on the local, regional, national, and international levels.

Our strategy and its objectives rest on 6 focus areas:

A network that works as a catalyst for active citizenship.

A network that fosters a peaceful European society.

A network that operates within a sustainable structure for strategic development.

A network that supports its volunteers and their personal growth.

A network that pushes for inclusion and accessibilty.

A network that offers a rich variety of methods, tools, and formats.

You can learn more about the EYP Strategy 2021-2027 in this video.

INDEPENDENCE

The EYP is not affiliated with any political institutions or parties. No outside entities (such as sponsors, partners et al.) interfere with its activities, and their content is developed, decided upon and approved independently.

NON-PARTISANSHIP

The EYP does not take sides in political disputes or align itself with the views of certain political actors. The opinions on different political issues discussed at our events are based individually. The participants of our activities may belong to political parties and participate in their respective activities, but these affiliations do not impact the network. Such a ‘political neutrality’ however, does not imply a ‘non-political’ nature of the EYP. We are proactive members of the European civil society driving impact through those we reach as an organisation.

The EYP is run in an open, participatory, consultative, and consensus-based manner. All decision-making entities are elected by vote, and members are actively involved in the functioning, running and decision-making processes of our organisation.

The EYP unites young people who seek to drive impact and shape our organisation and society at large. Individual members and the entities of the EYP work together to harness our strengths and talents and support each other in our weaknesses. Thanks to this spirit of cooperation and belonging, we exist, perform and succeed. We believe in the power of volunteering and support everyone in doing their share to reach our common goals. We take pride in the achievements of our members and celebrate them together.

The EYP celebrates diversity and strives to create a welcoming and safe environment with equal opportunities for all young Europeans. Our events feature lively and respectful dialogues and serve as platforms for voicing different opinions. We value diversity and offer a space for everyone to share their views and engage with those of others. We do not tolerate any type of discrimination based on gender and sexual orientation, ethnicity and nationality, religious and political beliefs, socio-economic status and/or physical and mental abilities.

INTERCULTURAL UNDERSTANDING

The EYP is a multicultural network and provides its members with opportunities to communicate and cooperate with other young people across different cultures, ethnicities, and backgrounds. Engaging with our diversity, we create connections and cultivate mutual respect. We also promote intercultural understanding on all levels of the network thanks to the cultural component of our activities where different cultures are presented through arts and artisanship.

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Youth parliament in asyut, innovative initiatives by young people at a unicef-supported youth centre.

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Children in white coats holding up banners with awareness messages, teenagers making videos to support home isolation patients, and a young girl among the few educated in her village educates mothers.

These were among some innovative initiatives of a group of young people who met at the Al-Salam Youth Center in Manflout, Asyut governorate, as part of the Youth Parliament initiative.

Under the slogan "Our Role", the Ministry of Youth and Sports , in partnership with UNICEF and the support of the Arab Council for Childhood and Development , launched the 'Youth Parliaments' program to train young people between 13-19 years on planning and implementing community initiatives.

Within the framework of this program, young people learn how to identify problems, think of solutions and plan their implementation. In youth centers, trainers support young people through periodic meetings to communicate and discuss the challenges they face in implementing initiatives, while tracking and monitoring their progress.

So what's the story of each? That's to explore in this photo essay.

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Youth engagement impact study

An independent impact study of the UK Youth Parliament and Youth Policy Development Group.

Youth engagement impact study: summary

Youth engagement impact study: youth summary.

PDF , 1.54 MB , 127 pages

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport commissioned an independent provider, Ecorys UK, to conduct a study into the perceived impact of the UK Youth Parliament and Youth Policy Development Group.

The UK Youth Parliament is a 2-year programme, involving 300 elected young people aged 11 to 18 from across the United Kingdom to represent the views of young people at local and national levels. The Youth Policy Development Group involved 40 young people aged 16 to 25 in England who were consulted on policies by central government departments and ministers. From April 2023, both programmes were combined under the banner of the UK Youth Parliament.

The study explores programme reach and awareness, delivery, impact and outcomes for participating young people, and on policy processes more broadly. The report summarises what has worked well and opportunities for improvement in both programmes, identified by current and former participants, and other stakeholders. Recommendations from the report will be explored further by programme administrators and delivery partners under the new UK Youth Parliament programme. The Lundy model for child participation was utilised to engage youth voice throughout the evaluation process.

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• School Education /

Essay on National Youth Day for Students

• Updated on  
• Jan 13, 2024

National Youth Day is every year celebrated on 12th January. This day is also known as Swami Vivekananda Jayanti, who was a social reformer and founder of the Ramakrishna Mission. This day was first observed in 1984 when the Government of India decided to celebrate Swami Vivekananda’s birth anniversary as National Youth Day . Swami Vivekananda was not only an influential figure in the pre-independence era but his ideas of universal brotherhood, purity, patience, and perseverance earned him global recognition. Not to forget his 1893 World’s Parliament of Religions speech where he addressed his audience as his fellow brothers and sisters. Today, we will provide you with an essay on National Youth Day, which will cover all the dimensions of this topic. Stay tuned!

Also Read: Speech on National Youth Day

Also Read: Write a Letter to Your Friend About Your Pongal Holiday Plans

Essay on National Youth Day in 500 Words

The 12th of January is annually celebrated as National Youth Day, as it marks the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. This day highlights the importance and role played by the youth in nation-building. In India, more than 50% of the population is below 25 years of age, making a large proportion of the population young. This special day is dedicated to our youth, who are encouraged to actively participate in national building practices and serve to their fullest so that the nation continuously strives toward growth and development. 

Dr Manmohan Singh, the former Prime Minister of India addressed the nation on the 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda in 2013, where he said ‘The philosophy of Swamiji and the ideals for which he lived and worked could be a great source of inspiration for the Indian Youth Day.’

Importance of National Youth Day

Before traveling to the USA, Swami Vivekananda took a tour of the Indian subcontinent, which was under the control of the British crown. He encouraged the young people to help people in need and use their physical and mental strength for the development of India. 

National Youth Day is celebrated for the youth. On this day, various public meetings and discussions are organized where developmental plans are discussed and the youth is encouraged to participate in these activities. Youth is the central figure of this day as the future of the country is in their hands. How they manage them today will affect everyone’s tomorrow. 

To encourage the youth, Swami Vivekananda said, ‘Take up one idea. Make that one idea your life – think of it, dream of it, live on that idea. Let the brain, muscles, nerves, and every part of your body, be full of that idea, and just leave every other idea alone. This is the way to success.’ He said , ‘You cannot believe in God until you believe in yourself. ‘You have to grow from the inside out. None can teach you, none can make you spiritual. There is no other teacher but your soul.’

Important Facts About Swami Vivekananda

Swami Vivekananda’s real name was Narendra Nath Dutta. He switched his name to Swami Vivekananda after he joined the monastery. He lost his father at an early age, which resulted in financial problems for his whole family. Hi scored 56% on his bachelor’s exam due to his wise wisdom and eloquence as an orator. 

He got global recognition during his 1893 World’s Parliament of Religions conference in Chicago. His words, starting with ‘Sister and brother of America…’ made him a global figure. Although he was a wise man, had a sharp memory, and possessed a BA degree, he remained unemployed for his entire life. He didn’t believe in the existence of God and encouraged people to believe in themselves.

His ideas are today taught in schools and institutions so that the youth can understand the importance of their contribution to nation-building. 

Also Read: Essay on Swami Vivekananda

Ans: National Youth Day is celebrated for the youth. On this day, various public meetings and discussions are organized where developmental plans are discussed and the youth is encouraged to participate in these activities. Youth is the central figure of this day as the future of the country is in their hands. How they manage them today will affect everyone’s tomorrow. 

Ans: Swami Vivekananda attended the 1893 World Parliament of Religions in Chicago, USA, where he addressed his audience by saying, ‘Sisters and brothers of America…’

Ans: The National Youth Day is annually celebrated on 12th January. This day marks the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, who was a Hindu philosopher, social reformer and founder of Ramananda Mission.

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Shiva Tyagi

With an experience of over a year, I've developed a passion for writing blogs on wide range of topics. I am mostly inspired from topics related to social and environmental fields, where you come up with a positive outcome.

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Essay on Role of Youth in Politics

Students are often asked to write an essay on Role of Youth in Politics in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Role of Youth in Politics

Introduction.

Youth, the future of a nation, play a crucial role in politics. They are the backbone of a country who can lead towards progress.

Political Awareness

Youths should be politically aware to understand the country’s issues. With their energy and fresh ideas, they can bring about significant changes.

Participation in Politics

Active participation in politics is vital. Youths can join political parties, participate in elections, or voice their opinions to contribute to the political process.

The role of youth in politics is significant. They can shape the future of the nation with their enthusiasm and innovative ideas.

250 Words Essay on Role of Youth in Politics

The role of youth in politics is crucial in shaping the future of a nation. As the torchbearers of change, they are instrumental in driving the political landscape towards a more inclusive and progressive direction.

Political Participation

Youth participation in politics is not just about voting; it extends to engaging in political debates, policy-making, and even holding political office. Their fresh perspectives and innovative ideas can contribute to the creation of more effective and relevant policies.

A Catalyst for Change

Young people, with their energy and passion, often serve as catalysts for political change. They are typically more open to embracing new ideas and are less constrained by traditional political ideologies. This makes them a potent force in challenging the status quo and pushing for political reform.

Overcoming Challenges

However, the path to political participation for the youth is not without challenges. They often face barriers such as age restrictions, lack of opportunities, and the perception that they are inexperienced. Overcoming these obstacles requires concerted efforts from all stakeholders, including the government, educational institutions, and civil society.

In conclusion, the youth’s role in politics is vital for the growth and development of a nation. They bring a fresh perspective, are willing to challenge the status quo, and are often at the forefront of political change. Encouraging and facilitating their participation in politics is essential for a vibrant and progressive political landscape.

500 Words Essay on Role of Youth in Politics

The significance of youth in politics.

The role of youth in politics is pivotal, being the backbone of any nation. They represent the future and are responsible for shaping society’s political landscape. The youth’s energy, innovative ideas, and resilience can bring about significant changes in the political sphere, highlighting their importance in the process.

Driving Change and Innovation

Young people, with their fresh perspectives and willingness to challenge the status quo, often act as catalysts for change. They question existing political systems and advocate for reforms, leading to a dynamic and evolving political environment. Their innovative ideas can lead to the creation of policies that are more in line with the changing times and societal needs.

Representation and Inclusion

The youth constitutes a significant portion of the population in many countries. Hence, their representation in politics is crucial to ensure the interests of this demographic are catered to. Their active involvement in politics can lead to the inclusion of youth-centric policies, addressing issues like education, employment, and mental health.

Political Awareness and Participation

Political awareness among the youth is essential for a robust democracy. It enables them to make informed decisions, participate in debates, and contribute to the political discourse. Their participation, either as voters or candidates, can significantly impact election outcomes.

Challenges and Solutions

Despite the potential benefits, youth participation in politics is often hindered by various barriers. These include age restrictions for candidacy, lack of opportunities, and societal stereotypes. To overcome these challenges, it is essential to create a conducive environment that encourages youth participation. This can be achieved through measures such as lowering the age limit for political candidacy, providing mentorship programs, and promoting political literacy among the youth.

The Way Forward

Promoting youth participation in politics is a collective responsibility. Governments, educational institutions, and civil society organizations need to work together to foster an environment that encourages youth engagement in politics. It is also crucial for the youth to seize the opportunities and make their voices heard.

In conclusion, the role of youth in politics is integral to the development and progression of any nation. Their active participation can lead to a more inclusive and forward-thinking political landscape. As the leaders of tomorrow, the youth have the power to shape the future of their countries, making their involvement in politics not just desirable but necessary.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

• Essay on Honesty in Politics
• Essay on Dirty Politics
• Essay on Dinosaur

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IN PICTURES: New MPs, Ex-officials take oath in Parliament

______________

KAMPALA - Events promoter Balaam Barugahara together with other ex-officials have taken oath today (Wednesday, April 3, 2024) in Parliament.

In a plenary presided over by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, Balaam, the state minister for children and youth affairs took oath alongside former Principal Private Secretary to the President, Dr Kenneth Omona.

Omona is the state minister in charge of Northern Uganda.

Also taken oath is Sarah Aguti of Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), the Dokolo District Woman Member of Parliament, and David Ochwa, the Agule County Member of Parliament. ;

Ochwa came to the seat after the Court of Appeal on March 19, 2024, declared him the winner of the 2021 elections, ordering the incumbent, Hon. Polycarp Ogwari to vacate.

Vision Group's multimedia journalist Miriam Namutebi was in Parliament as highlighted in the pictures below; ___________________

Balaam (C) arrives in Parliament led by Government Chief Whip Denis Obua.

Balaam takes oath in Parliament.

Immediately after taking oath, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa handed Balaam a copy of Uganda's constitution.

Sarah Aguti of Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) takes oath as Dokolo District Woman Member of Parliament.

Former Principal Private Secretary to the President Dr Kenneth Omona takes oath in Parliament as state minister in charge of Northern Uganda. ;

Jacob Markson ; Oboth, ;the minister of defense ;congratulates Omona.

Government Chief Whip Denis Obua congratulates Omona.

Balaam is greeted by Legislators after his oath.

Immediately after taking oath, the state minister for children and youth affairs, Balaam Barugahara was all smiles as he stepped onto the floor of Parliament.

Minister ; Jim Muhweezi hugs Balaam.

Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa presided over the plenary.

Attorney General Kiryowa ; Kiwanuka.

David Ochwa takes oath as Agule County Member of Parliament.

Dan ; Kimosho , the Kazo member of parliament.

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Source: Aboakye Frank, Contributor

Youth activist petitions parliament to probe EC ahead of 2024 polls

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A youth activist, Assana Bukari Majeed, has petitioned the Speaker of Parliament to initiate a comprehensive bipartisan investigation into all logistical preparations made by the Electoral Commission (EC) ahead of the 2024 general election. The move by the petitioner has been necessitated by concerns regarding the adequacy and efficiency of the logistical arrangements put in place by the Electoral Commission for a free, fair, and transparent election. The petition by Assana Bukari Majeed reads in parts: “I, the undersigned citizen of Ghana, respectfully submit this petition urging the Parliament to conduct a comprehensive bipartisan investigation committee to investigate and audit the logistical preparations made by the Electoral Commission ahead of the 2024 general elections.” In a four-point request, the petitioner wants parliament to investigate the procurement process as well as the missing laptops, assess logistical readiness, review budget utilization, and publish the findings of the audit process. According to the petitioner, the probe by parliament will foster confidence in the electoral system and reassure the citizens of the preparedness of the Electoral Commission and its ability to discharge its duties with fairness and transparency before, during, and after the 2024 polls, which are essential components of every credible election. “The successful conduct of free, fair, and transparent elections is essential to upholding the democratic principles upon which our nation is founded. Therefore, I urge Parliament to prioritize this petition and take prompt action to ensure that the logistical preparations made by the Electoral Commission for the 2024 general elections meet the highest standards of integrity and accountability," the petition read. Meanwhile, independent checks by this reporter indicated that the Office of the Speaker of Parliament has received the petition. Below is the full petition: Petition to Parliament : Audit and investigate Electoral Commission ’s logistics for the 2024 general elections: I, the undersigned citizen of Ghana, respectfully submit this petition urging the Parliament to conduct a comprehensive bipartisan investigation committee to investigate and audit the logistical preparations made by the Electoral Commission ahead of the 2024 general elections. The integrity and fairness of our electoral process are fundamental pillars of our democracy. However, concerns have been raised regarding the adequacy and efficiency of the logistical arrangements put in place by the Electoral Commission to ensure smooth and transparent elections. Specifically, I call upon Parliament to: Investigate the procurement process and report the missing laptops to the district election directorate. Examine the procedures followed by the Electoral Commission in procuring election materials, including ballots, voting machines, and other essential logistical items. Ensure transparency and accountability in the selection of vendors and contractors. Also, investigate the missing five (5) laptops. Claimed “have no data in them,” this will go a long way toward actually strengthening our democratic principle as a country towards the 2024 elections and also bring trust among the electoral commission and the political parties. Assess logistical readiness: Evaluate the sufficiency of logistical arrangements, such as transportation, distribution centers, and storage facilities, to effectively deploy election materials to polling stations across the country. Determine whether adequate measures have been taken to address potential challenges and contingencies. Review budget utilization: Scrutinize the allocation and utilization of funds allocated to the Electoral Commission for logistical purposes. Verify that financial resources have been managed responsibly and in accordance with established guidelines to maximize efficiency and minimize waste. Ensure transparency and public trust: Promote transparency throughout the audit process by allowing for public participation and access to information. Publish the findings of the audit to foster confidence in the electoral system and reassure citizens of the fairness and credibility of the electoral process. The successful conduct of free, fair, and transparent elections is essential to upholding the democratic principles upon which our nation is founded. Therefore, I urge Parliament to prioritize this petition and take prompt action to ensure that the logistical preparations made by the Electoral Commission for the 2024 general elections meet the highest standards of integrity and accountability.

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