Statement by the Center for Democracy Foundation on the occasion of International Youth Day
On the occasion of 12 August, International Youth Day, the Center for Democracy Foundation (CDF) calls on decision-makers, state institutions and local self-governments to ensure the systematic and meaningful inclusion of young people in decision-making processes.
At a time when society is facing significant demographic, socio-economic and political challenges, while a large percentage of young people are still considering leaving the country, the key message is that young people are not only the future, but key actors of the present. Their voices, energy and proposals must become an equal part of public policy-making at all levels.
Continuous youth participation in decision-making processes is not a privilege, but a prerequisite for sustainable democracy, the rule of law and the creation of equal opportunities for all. It is therefore essential to educate and empower young people to participate in decision-making and the work of institutions, and to provide mechanisms that enable them to have a genuine influence on public policies, while consistently applying the principle of equal opportunities, regardless of geographical background or social status.
At the same time, efforts to encourage young people to remain in the country are inseparably linked to creating conditions for decent work and providing accessible, quality education that keeps pace with economic, social and technological changes. By investing in an education system that fosters critical thinking, media literacy and democratic values, society invests in its most important development resource and ensures long-term socio-economic progress.
Young people are not asking for promises, but for a genuine opportunity to shape the society in which they live.
Center for Democracy Foundation
