Empowering Nordic youth through democratic participation,
leadership development, and critical thinking skills
Youth Strategies and actions for amplifying leadership and critical thinking
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Project Overview
This innovative project promotes democratic participation and leadership among Nordic youth by developing critical thinking skills and creating platforms for meaningful dialogue between young people and decision-makers. Running from July to December 2025 across Denmark, Finland, and Sweden (with participation from Estonia), the initiative directly addresses the Nordic Council’s strategic priorities for youth engagement and sustainable development.
The project will bring together 148 participants through a series of interconnected activities including a Youth Leaders Summer School, local skills workshops, leadership training programs, and a culminating Youth Opinion Festival in Malmö. Special attention is given to including vulnerable groups and ensuring gender equality throughout all activities.
By focusing on practical skill-building and creating direct channels for youth to influence policy, this project contributes significantly to achieving the UN Sustainable Development GoalsThe 17 global goals designed to be a blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all, particularly Goal 4 (Quality Education), Goal 5 (Gender Equality), and Goal 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).
Activities
Key Findings
🌱 Democracy Reinforcement:
We’re turning “politics” from a distant concept into an exciting opportunity for young voices! While 72% of Nordic youth feel left out of decision-making, this project bridges the gap—making democracy engaging, accessible, and theirs to shape.
💡 Skill Development:
Forget dry textbooks! Participants will gain real-world skills—like leadership, savvy policy analysis, and how to debate with confidence—tools that schools often miss but that young changemakers need.
🗣️ Structural Dialogue:
No more talking about youth—we’re talking with them! By connecting young people directly to decision-makers, we’re bringing fresh energy to Nordic policies and making sure their ideas aren’t just heard—they’re acted on.
🌈 Inclusive Approach:
Diversity = strength! With 10% of spots reserved for vulnerable groups and a strong focus on gender balance (53 male, 83 female, 12 unspecified), we’re building a space where everyone belongs and thrives. Because the future works best when all voices help design it.
Next Steps
Participant Recruitment: Open calls for participants will begin in early 2025 through partner networks, educational institutions, and targeted social media campaigns.
Curriculum Development: The project team is currently finalizing workshop and training materials with input from democracy experts and youth representatives.
Sustainability Planning: All events will follow the Nordic Green Roadmap guidelines, with particular attention to reducing CO2 emissions through eco-friendly transportation and accommodation choices.
Long-term Network Building: Beyond the 2025 activities, partners are committed to maintaining the youth network created through this project as an ongoing platform for policy influence and idea exchange.
Impact Assessment: A comprehensive evaluation framework is being developed to measure both short-term outcomes and long-term impact on participants’ civic engagement.
🌟 Our Amazing Project Partners
This project wouldn’t be possible without the incredible collaboration of passionate organizations across the Nordic and Baltic regions. Together, we’re building bridges for youth empowerment!
🇫🇮 Finland – Femina ry
📌 Website: www.feminary.fi
💡 Contact: info@feminary.fi / feminasuomi@gmail.com
Femina ry is a dynamic youth organization dedicated to social inclusion, democracy, and gender equality. They bring expertise in youth leadership and grassroots activism to the project.
🇸🇪 Sweden – Möllans Basement
📌 Website: www.mollansbasement.se
💡 Contact: Balqiskhattab@hotmail.com
A creative hub for young people, Möllans Basement fosters cultural expression and civic engagement, making them the perfect partner for youth-driven dialogue.
🇸🇪 Sweden – Burgården Gymnasium
📌 Website: Goteborg.se – Burgårdens Gymnasium
💡 Contact: susanne.kallanvaara@educ.goteborg.se
This forward-thinking high school connects education with real-world change, empowering students to become active participants in society.
🇩🇰 Denmark – Blå Veje Forening
📌 Website: www.blaaveje.dk
💡 Contact: aa@blaaveje.dk
Blå Veje (“Blue Roads”) champions sustainable communities and youth participation, ensuring eco-conscious and inclusive approaches in our activities.
🇪🇪 Estonia – Peace Child Estonia
📌 Website: www.peacechild-estonia.org
💡 Contact: info@peacechild-estonia.org
Specializing in peacebuilding and youth advocacy, Peace Child Estonia brings international perspective and innovative non-formal education methods.
💡 Why Partner Collaboration Matters
By uniting these diverse organizations, we create a powerful network where:
✅ Knowledge and best practices are shared across borders
✅ Young people gain access to wider opportunities
✅ Nordic-Baltic cooperation becomes stronger than ever
🌟 Why This Project Matters
Democracy Comes Alive!
Imagine a world where young people don’t just watch democracy happen – they drive it! We’re flipping the script on political engagement, transforming it from something passive into an exciting adventure where every voice matters. While 72% of Nordic youth currently feel disconnected from decision-making, we’re building bridges that turn “they don’t listen” into “watch what we can do together!”
Supercharging Youth Superpowers
This isn’t your average classroom experience! We’re equipping young leaders with real-world super-skills:
✨ Cutting through political noise to spot what really matters
✨ Leading with confidence and vision
✨ Turning ideas into action through savvy advocacy
These are the game-changing abilities that help young people shape their communities – and we can’t wait to see what they’ll achieve!
Breaking Down the Walls
Gone are the days when decisions were made about youth without them. We’re creating exciting spaces where young people and policymakers meet as equals – sharing ideas, challenging perspectives, and co-creating solutions. It’s democracy in its most vibrant form!
A Celebration of Every Voice
Our project isn’t just inclusive – it’s joyfully diverse! With special places reserved for vulnerable groups and careful attention to gender balance, we’re proving that the best solutions come when everyone has a seat at the table. Different backgrounds + different perspectives = unstoppable ideas!
The Ripple Effect
Here’s the really exciting part – every young person we empower becomes a catalyst for change in their community. They’ll take what they learn and multiply it, inspiring friends, starting initiatives, and keeping the momentum going long after our project ends. That’s how real, lasting change happens!
Together, we’re not just running a project—we’re growing a movement! 🚀