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Sep 16, 2024

Voices of young parliamentarians from around the world

Voices of young parliamentarians from around the world

Highlighting the critical role of young people in safeguarding democracy, the International Day of Democracy focuses on “Empowering the Next Generation” and engaging with women and youth. One week ahead of the crucial UN Summit of the Future, the European Parliament brings in this article the voices of several young parliamentarians from different continents, all distinguished Alumni of the European Union Visitors Programme (EUVP).

“On the International Day of Democracy, we celebrate its promise to societies – and recognize the many threats it faces at this time of tension and turmoil”. 
UN Secretary-General António Guterres

Today, the world counts 1.8 billion young people between the ages of 10 and 24: the largest generation in history. The participation of young people in democratic processes is crucial for the health of democracies around the world. Keeping youth out of the main spaces of institutional politics poses a threat to parliamentary democracy. Young people represent the future of our democracies and can help reshape institutions around the world to make them fit for today's challenges and threats. 

Why is it so important to have young people elected in parliaments? 

The European Parliament’s Committee on Constitutional Affairs requested a study on “Young people's participation in European democratic processes”.  Its findings show that there is only a small number of young Members of Parliaments (MPs) in national parliaments or candidates for important elected positions. It also highlights that young people are increasingly distancing themselves from institutional politics and they have turned away from traditional politics and structures voicing their concerns and engagement online and in social media.

Lenya Rún TAHA KARIM“Young people must be heard and be a part of the decision-making process properly, not as tokens. I ran for Parliament because I was tired of our interests being overlooked or not understood properly”.
Lenya Rún TAHA KARIM, Icelandic Deputy MP, first elected at the age of 21, EUVP Alumna 



 

“Electing young people to Parliaments is crucial for injecting fresh perspectives into policymaking and ensuring that legislation reflects the needs and aspirations of younger generations. Youth representation fosters inclusivity and bridges the gap between generations, allowing for more dynamic and forward-thinking governance”. 
Sahar ALBAZAR, Egyptian MP, Deputy Chair of Foreign Affairs Committee, first elected at the age of 37, EUVP Alumna 

“Younger Members of Parliament will energise the younger population to see their peers standing for election and speaking in Parliament - it will inspire others to do the same in a dynamic and politically-engaged society”.
Sylvia LIM, Singaporean MP, first elected at the age of 36, EUVP Alumna

How do young people make their voice heard? 

“Ukrainian youth has unique experience of coming together and fighting for their beliefs and values. Our youth delivers the impossible to make Ukrainian voices heard, but the international community has to guarantee that it resonates loud and clear”.
Dr. Galyna MYKHAILIUK, Ukrainian MP, first elected at the age of 32, EUVP Alumna
 

Sahar ALBAZAR“Many young people still believe in democracy, but their faith can waver if they feel excluded or unheard. To restore and strengthen this belief, democratic institutions must be more responsive to youth concerns and more inclusive in their decision-making processes”.
Sahar ALBAZAR, Egyptian MP, Deputy Chair of Foreign Affairs Committee, first elected at the age of 37, EUVP Alumna 


The internet and social media offer significant potential for mobilising and engaging with youth on topics that are important to them such as climate change or artificial intelligence, not only at local level but also within the global community.  Social media platforms foster cooperation and collaboration through dialogue and play a key role in strengthening democracy.

What can Parliaments do to connect more with young people?
 
“During wartime, special restrictions and security concerns might complicate communicating with stakeholders face-to-face. In this view, we continually work on increasing engagement through online means instead. The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine official website is one of the most popular and frequently visited parliamentary platforms worldwide”.
Dr. Galyna MYKHAILIUK, Ukrainian MP, first elected at the age of 32, EUVP Alumna


“Parliaments can connect more effectively with young people by embracing digital platforms, organising youth-centered events, and establishing youth parliament simulations that provide a formal channel for young voices”.
Sahar ALBAZAR, Egyptian MP, Deputy Chair of Foreign Affairs Committee, first elected at the age of 37, EUVP Alumna 
 

Background 

The International Day of Democracy is celebrated around the world on 15 September each year. It was established through a resolution passed by the UN General Assembly in 2007, encouraging governments to strengthen and consolidate democracy. The Inter-Parliamentary Union also encourages parliaments to mark the day with events and celebrations.  

This year the European Union Visitors Programme celebrates its 50th anniversary. More than 5,000 visitors from non-EU Member countries have taken part in the programme. The EUVP Alumni include several former and present MPs, who have benefited from exchanges with the European Parliament, the European Union's only directly-elected institution and an important forum for political debate and decision-making at the EU level.   

By creating the Directorate General for Parliamentary Democracy Partnerships, ‘with the objective to streamline actions aimed at promoting and upholding parliamentary democracy in Europe and beyond’, the European Parliament has embraced its role in supporting democracy around the world.  


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