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Conference

Conference “Shaping the future of Europe: this time I have voted, but am I represented?” aims to broaden and strengthen cooperation and dialogue between young people and decision-makers (policy-makers, change-makers and influencers) who influence the future of democracy in Europe, and to improve young people’s understanding of the cross-cutting approach to human rights, education, culture and youth work by developing participants’ individual knowledge, skills and attitudes.

Within the framework of the conference, we aim to build a diverse and intercultural network of youth cooperation and social capital that brings together youth, non-governmental youth organisations (CSOs), decision makers to share experiences and combat joint challenges faced by young people of today in the regions. Also networks will empower cooperation and social capital between young people and the community, as well as between public authorities. In addition, to spread the message and the vision of young people on the need to involve vulnerable groups in active political life and in building an inclusive society

This conference is dedicated to young people, decision-makers, civil society representatives, politicians and the media to promote cooperation, dialogue and deepen participants’ awareness on key issues for youth and society in times of global change. At the final event of the project, we will bring together up to 150 people to celebrate the results of the programme, discuss the main challenges in strengthening democracy and how the results of the European elections in 2024 will affect Europe, Estonia and its citizens. This conference is also a motivational event, so we hope that the programme will continue in the next (local) elections.

Conference is organised as key event of the project in order to broaden and strengthen cooperation and dialogue between young people and decision-makers (policy-makers, change-makers and influencers) who influence the future of European democracy, and to improve young people’s understanding of the cross-cutting approach to human rights, education, culture and youth work by developing participants’ individual knowledge, skills and attitudes.

Key words: youth, vulnerable groups, youth rights, adcocacy, politic, decision making,, crisis, youth policy making in Nordi-Baltic, nonformal education, participation, civil society and its challenges, innovation, inclusion, working bottom up, best practices and successful cooperation, interdisciplinary work.

Date and place: 7th – 8th of June 2024 in Estonia, Tallinn, Hestia Hotel Europe (Paadi 5)

Participants: up to 150 participants (up to 130 from Estonia and 20 from Nordic countries) from local & international organizations representatives, experts, guests, students/youth, interested organizations/institutions and NGOs leaders, networks, and individuals representing youth field and vulnerable groups.

Participating countries: Estonia, Iceland, Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Tunisia.

Official languages: English

*International conference will be run in hybrid format and Zoom link will be provided only to officially registered participants. Registration deadline for International participants is 30th of May 2024.

An online participation will start on 7 and 8rd of June 2023 at 11.00 am (CET).

Components of the conference:

  • Key note speeches by international experts in the field of youth participation in politics and election, youth engagement, European Parliament election and decision making, civil society, power relations, policy and action plan on social cohesion, child rights and youth perspective etc.  – The aim is to introduce the themes to all participants (as the event is open to all) and further elaborate on the continued relevance of these themes.
  • Panel discussion sessions, these panel discussions include representatives of many different backgrounds who will highlight the usefulness of creating a comparative perspective, being open to ideas from other countries (regions), and finding common goals and policy approaches.

Components of the international conference:

  • Practical workshops/meetings for participants to introduce them to new skills and knowledge held by partner representatives & invited guests facilitate new partnerships and stimulate a creation of “Intercultural Youth network”. Development of new initiatives will be generated by international and local partners. (Workshop agenda for organizations/individuals related with strengthening cohesion for more inclusive and socially sustainable society).
  • Opening ceremonies
  • Youth and Politicians fairs
  • Working groups
  • Skills Workshops

VENUES: Hestia Hotel Europa, Grand Room, Paad 5, Tallinn, Estonia

CONFERENCE AGENDA

10.00 – 10.30 Welcome word and opening speeches:

  • Ursula Roosmaa, Director of the British Council of Estonia.
  • Aleksei Jashin, Deputy Mayor of Tallinn.
  • Special guests
  • Vassili Golikov, SSCW Programme Manager.

10.30 – 11.00 Presentations :

  • “Lowering the voting age to 16 for all elections would encourage young people to participate in society” – Hanah Lahe, Member of the Riigikogu.
  • “Youth Vote 16 – Empowering young people to be agents of change at national and international level” – Kaarel Taimla, Chairman of the Board, Estonian Federation of Youth Associations.
  • “The youth voice in the European elections: what young people wanted and offered to the voters” – Rudolf Kasper Naruski, Estonian Youth Delegate to the European Union.
  • “Youth, democratic progress and democratic exclusion in the Nordic countries” – Alejandra Hansen, Compass (Denmark).

11.00 – 12.15 *Panel discussion I “The main challenges for young people and civil society in consolidating democracy and the impact of the results of the European elections”.
Debate between representatives of political youth organisations.

  • Representative of the Estonian Reform Party – Hanah Lahe.
  • Representative of the Social Democrats – to be specified.
  • Isamaa representative – Virve Linder
  • Representative of Eesti200 – to be specified
  • Estonian Centre Party representative – Yana Toom
  • Parempoolsed representative – to be specified
  • EKRE (Blue Awakening) representative – to be specified
  • Estonian Greens representative – to be specified

12.15 – 12.30 Coffee break|
12.30 – 13.30 Panel discussion II “The role of youth in politics in times of crisis: support, renew and develop?”

  • Artur Chužas, Kohtla-Järve Youth Council.
  • Karl Kristjánsson, Icelandic Young Socialists (Iceland).
  • Christelle Rammul, Youth Election Observer for the European elections.
  • Tallinn Youth Council representative

13.30 – 14.45 Lunch (Tallinn restaurant Tempo)
14.45 – 16.00 Skills workshops:
“Youth and democracy (participation)” – German Morris, Peace Child Estonia
“Youth and sustainability/revolution: composting” – Anneli Ohvril, Lets do it World.
“Youth and Education” – Reet Laja, Estonian Education Forum.
“Youth and intercultural dialogue” – Amb Hatem Atallah, Tunisian Institute for Strategic Studies / Anna Lindh Foundation (Tunisia).
16.00 – 16.45 **Working groups: development of the youth initiative (project) / development of the conference application form.
16.45 – 17.00 Presentation of results and conference conclusions.

Youth and Political parties fair (Venue: second floor lobby)

The Fair is a unique opportunity to explore and learn about the politics, political parties and youth engagement, the youth work and their histories and the civic activities that all come together to make our community so wonderful. Take your time as you go through the fair, talk with everyone, explore everything.

The Fair is about sharing and learning. For example, ask about youth or politicians (local and national) what they propose to achive, to conduct chages or run activities. Ask what they notice as similar and different between different polics and cultures. Ask about favourite family stories or stories of their life. Ask about their work, holidays and celebrations. Decide to approach people and things that are different from you and learn about them.

The Fair embraces the richness of diversity in our community and we ask you to do so as well with respect for each other, and joy in having a time to do this.

Wear comfortable shoes and clothing as you will be exploring and maybe dancing a bit to the entertainment.

International conference (Venue: Grand Hall)

International conference “Shaping Europe’s future: this time I have voted, but am I represented?” on the 7- 8th of June 2024 provides the main platform for stimulating discussion and presentation of democracy agademy results, educational materials and feedback on youth watchdog programm on European Parliament election.

Conference will connect a unique network of young people age 16+ and youth organisations, practitioners, civil society organisations, policy-makers, media and funders, united to create together real change in the youth participation and inclusion policies and support civil society though building dialogue and mutual understanding.

During conference participants will be able to hear inspiring keynote speakers, share knowledge and have some new experiences, meet and speak with inspiring colleagues, Government and Non-governmental organisations, politicians, young activists, decision makers and professionals from all over Estonia, Nordics and event from Tunisia. 

Find out about conference agenda on: https://democracy.sscw.ee/agenda

Skills workshops sessions

There will be two skills workshop sessions which are organised by international and local partners. Skills workshop session is divided by the three themes related with necessary skills for young people: youth participation, creating social change & sustainability (how to be a nature friendly and do a compost); Education and mental health and intercultural dialogue and networking.

Culture program

Culture program includes various of events what will be happening during this days in Tallinn. For example: visits of museums, ability to discover Tallinn city and visit concert, performances, traditions and food, get closer with Estonains and Nordic people and its history.

Networking and collaboration days (all day long) – All invited international and local participants, officials and delegates are inspired to share their own experience, best practices and own ideas about existing challenges and possible solutions. Networking days will provide a space for participants to conduct productive meeting and generate positive results like new initiative what could be supported by Britsh Council, European Commission or governments.  It’s a great opportunity to get to know each other, find a potential partner and design own local or international action project and join with Youth network of intercultural actors.

The event is organised by the Sillamäe Society for Child Welfare in cooperation with the Estonian National Youth Council. The public debate event takes place in the framework of the project “European Youth Dialogue 2022-2024″, which is implemented by the Estonian Youth Federation and funded by the European Union and the Ministry of Education and Research.” The the proejct is supported by the British Council in Estonia under the People To People Cultural Engagement programme to support social cohesion.