The Youth Advocacy Alliance project successfully concluded with the final youth conference, “YOUTH NOT AS A PROBLEM, BUT THE SOLUTION!” held from June 1-4, 2023, in Porsgrunn, Norway. The primary objective of the conference was to explore the implementation of child and youth participation strategies during crises and provide recommendations for decision makers in the Nordic region.
The conference aimed to raise awareness about the significance of involving youth and vulnerable groups fully in the decision-making process at various levels. It sought to support youth communities in exercising their rights and responsibilities within society and foster a sense of belonging among them, both at the local and European (Nordic-Baltic) levels.
The three-day event featured an intensive program of official discussions held as part of an international conference. These discussions provided a platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas, experiences, and best practices related to youth participation strategies during times of crises. Additionally, the conference included workshops conducted by international partners and local hosts, enabling participants to engage in hands-on activities and develop practical skills.
The conference also included study visits, allowing attendees to observe successful youth participation initiatives in action. Participants had the opportunity to visit various projects and organizations that have effectively implemented child and youth participation strategies in their respective contexts.
During the conference, special attention was given to the presentation of the Youth Advocacy Toolkit. This toolkit was prepared by international partners involved in the project program and served as a valuable resource for promoting and implementing effective youth advocacy initiatives. Its presentation was a significant outcome of the conference, contributing to the overall objectives of the Youth Advocacy Alliance project.
Furthermore, the conference facilitated the development of new project proposals, encouraging participants to generate innovative ideas and solutions for advancing youth participation and advocacy efforts. These proposals aimed to address pressing issues and promote meaningful change in the Nordic region.
The youth local citizens’ action plans were another key outcome of the conference. These action plans, formulated by the youth participants, contained concrete recommendations and action steps for promoting youth participation and addressing specific challenges in their communities. These plans were intended to be submitted to the Nordic Council, as well as various national, international, and governmental organizations and the media, ensuring that the voices of young people were heard and their perspectives considered in decision-making processes.
Overall, the final youth conference of the Youth Advocacy Alliance project provided a platform for dialogue, learning, and collaboration among stakeholders dedicated to enhancing youth participation and advocacy. It generated valuable outcomes in the form of the Youth Advocacy Toolkit, youth local citizens’ action plans, and new project proposals, contributing to the broader objectives of the project and promoting positive change in the Nordic region.
- Conference materials and a summary of youth discussions here.
- Conference video recording
- Conference pictures
The overall format of the events was rated 9.1 out of 10. Pre-events information and communications were rated 8.7 out of 10. The overall organisation during the events was rated 8.9 out of 10. The overall conference was rated 9.45 out of 10
Project was supported by Nordic Culture Point
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