EU4Youth supports dialogue on politics as a social environment for youth in Kyiv

On 18 January, the EU4Youth programme supported a dialogue on ‘Politics as a Social Environment for Youth’ held on the premises of Kyiv City Council by the Ukrainian Youth Councils Association, in partnership with Kyiv City Council and the Youth Council under the Kyiv City Council.

The event brought together more than 70 representatives of youth councils, civil society organisations, and city council members to discuss the role of youth in political processes and the mechanisms of interaction with government authorities. Participants explored key issues, including the role of youth in political processes, the importance of civic engagement, and the significance of political culture in shaping a democratic society.

During the discussions, participants developed a set of proposals to enhance youth engagement in decision-making and to foster constructive dialogue between youth and local authorities. They emphasised the need to expand youth participation at the local level, institutionalise mechanisms for cooperation between youth initiatives and authorities, and create platforms for communication and experience exchange between government representatives and youth.

Oleksii Kurpas, Adviser to the Deputy Mayor and Secretary of the Kyiv City Council, said:
“Youth must see the results of their initiatives and be confident that their voice is being taken into account.”

The ‘EU4Youth: Youth Engagement and Empowerment’ project is co-financed by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and implemented by the German Development Agency GIZ.