European ministers responsible for youth to assess implementation of Reykjavík Declaration and agree on future youth policy
Minister of Youth, Sport and Physical Activity Mika Poutala will attend the 10th Council of Europe Conference of Ministers responsible for Youth on 8–10 October. At the meeting, the ministers will assess developments in youth policy in light of the Reykjavík Declaration and agree on future priorities. The aim is for the ministers to adopt a final declaration and commit to a framework on a youth perspective within the Council of Europe.
In the final declaration, the ministers will commit to strengthening democracy, human rights and the rule of law by advancing the participation of youth in decision-making.
As part of the declaration, the ministers will also commit to the Council of Europe Reference Framework on a Youth Perspective, endorse the conclusions of the Fourth European Youth Work Convention and welcome progress in the process towards adopting the Charter on the Participation of Young People in Local and Regional Life.
“The new Reference Framework on a Youth Perspective encourages not only the Council of Europe but also the Member States to better integrate youth into decision-making processes. It’s not enough to invite youth to the negotiating table – we have to make sure that their voices are genuinely heard in the discussions and that their input can be seen in the outcomes,” said Minister Mika Poutala.
Minister Poutala will have several bilateral meetings during the visit. The minister’s delegation will also include youth representative Maria Markkula.
The meeting will provide an opportunity to strengthen democracy through active youth participation. The ministers’ meeting will be preceded by a youth event whose participants will also take part in the ministerial meeting. The event will focus on renewing commitments, sharing good practices and promoting concrete measures that support the opportunities of youth to exert influence in society. The goal is to build dialogue between youth and decision-makers and to make decision-making more youth-oriented than at present.
The Reykjavík Declaration and the role of the Council of Europe
The Fourth Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Council of Europe held in Reykjavík on 16–17 May 2023 marked a significant step forward in the Council of Europe’s work with and on behalf of youth. The Reykjavík Declaration adopted at the meeting highlights the importance of taking the perspective of young people into account in all activities of the Council of Europe.
The declaration takes a clear stand on the future we want to commit to: one where young people’s voices are heard in all areas of decision-making and policy formulation. This approach strengthens the position of youth and advances their opportunities to participate in the work of the Council of Europe.
The Council of Europe has been promoting youth participation in decision-making for decades, and the Reykjavík Declaration gives new weight and direction to this work.
Inquiries: Annika Lyytikäinen, Special Adviser to Minister Poutala, tel. +358 295 330 073