EU4Youth Initiative: Youth Policy Labs launched in 15 communities across Armenia

Fifteen Youth Policy Labs (YPLs) were launched across Armenia in April, marking a significant milestone for youth engagement and participatory governance, localised policy dialogue and civic participation. These initiatives are designed to empower young people to actively shape policies that affect their lives and communities.

Youth Policy Labs introduce a participatory and youth-centred model that enables young people to engage directly with decision-makers in the development, evaluation, and revision of policies. This approach ensures that the voices, concerns, and aspirations of youth are not only heard but are central to the decision-making process. Simultaneously, it allows policymakers to better understand and address the real issues faced by young people today.

Since a training held last year in Armenia, facilitators have initiated the first round of Youth Policy Labs in all 15 designated communities across the country. Each Lab began with an introductory training session, bringing together young participants, local authorities, and civil society representatives. These sessions have laid a solid foundation for sustained and meaningful policy dialogue at the local level.

The successful rollout of the Youth Policy Labs reflects a growing commitment to inclusive governance and youth empowerment in Armenia. By reaching diverse communities across the country, the initiative ensures that young people from various socio-economic and geographic backgrounds have the opportunity to influence decisions that shape their futures.

The initiative was organised by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH in close cooperation with the Youth Organisations Union within the framework of the ‘EU4Youth: Youth Engagement and Empowerment’ project co-funded by the European Union and the German government.