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Delegation Reports
Region Seminar on Youth Participation in Politics
8 to 9 December 2010 Attlee Suite, Palace of Westminster, London SEMINAR REPORT At this two day seminar, parliamentarians from across Europe – and from countries as far away as Pakistan – discussed youth participation in the democratic process. Building on the work of IPU Rapporteur Croatian MP Marija Lugaric, parliamentarians interacted with specialists on youth engagement and youth representatives in order to better understand how young people can become more involved in politics. Prior to the first presentations and debates, the seminar was opened by the Rt Hon John Bercow MP, Speaker of the House of Commons. Mr Speaker stressed the importance of youth engagement in the democratic process. Mr Speaker was joined by Marija Lugaric MP and Martin Chungong, Director of the Promotion of Democracy Unit, Inter-Parliamentary Union. Baroness Thornton was followed by Andy Hamflett, Chief Executive of the UK Youth Parliament, who then introduced UK Youth Parliament members Kishan Parshotam and Ahmed Siddiqui. Kishan and Ahmed spoke about their work in the Youth Parliament and its benefits in developing debating skills. Nic Seton from the UK Youth Climate Coalition outlined the methods his organisation has used to promote engagement in the democratic process. The Youth Climate Coalition helps young people to influence decision makers on the topic of climate change. During lunch, delegates watched coverage of the UK Youth Parliament’s sitting in the House of Commons chamber. The afternoon’s session (Session II) focused on Youth Participation Around Europe. Chaired by Stewart Jackson MP, the session provided the opportunity to explore whether there is a general downward trend of youth interest in politics and assess different levels of engagement around Europe. Marija Lugaric MP provided the first presentation of the afternoon. Ms Lugaric outlined youth participation and policy in Croatia, elaborating on the problems of low level engagement and interest. Ms Lugaric argued that the low level of participation could be attributed to a general distrust of the political system and a lack of investment in young people. Ms Lugaric was followed by Peter Matjasic, President of the European Youth Forum. Peter Matjasic emphasised the importance of youth organisation in promoting an active democracy. He then proposed that parliamentarians should work to improve dialogue between youth organisations and policy makers in order to improve the quality of youth engagement. In the evening, delegates then attended a reception at Lancaster House, hosted by Tim Loughton MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Children and Families. Thursday’s programme commenced with Session III – The issues that affect young people – by young people! Chaired by Graham Stuart MP, the lively debate in this session was led by contributions by representatives from the Scouts; James Ferguson, Abi Collier and Daniel Lewis. Jacob Sakil, Young Mayor of Lewisham, also contributed, reflecting on his experiences of engagement in the community in Lewisham. Debate examined whether engagement in politics can help provide an antidote to problems such as anti social behaviour, and the greater benefits to society created by providing young people with more opportunities to get involved in public decisions and public life. After a short break, the session restarted, chaired by Chloe Smith MP. The session continued with presentations from Jo Swinson MP, exploring her experiences of being a young parliamentarian. Ms Swinson felt that increased participation could start by more young people being elected to make Parliament more representative. She argued that MPs should make the most of opportunities to engage with young people; through surgeries in schools and ICTs. Amanda Clarke, DPhil student at Oxford University, talked about the relationship between ICT use and Parliaments. Ms Clarke argued that better use of ICTs would enable parliaments to give young people a stronger voice. Rebecca Palmer, Strategic Development Officer for Children and Young People’s Participation for the Greater London Authority, reflected on her experience of encouraging engagement. Mr Kundi detailed the work of the Pakistan Youth Parliament, and its work to change the perception of young Pakistanis at home and abroad. He also examined the particular impact that poverty can have upon youth and youth access to politics. Ms Pauncefort argued that the only way to improve youth participation is to take young people seriously. She also suggested that adults need to carefully examine their conduct in participation if we to expect more engagement. After all, it is hard to expect young people to get involved in politics if current politicians are poor role models.
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