Young individuals assert the need for a more prominent role in decision-making processes.
Oberhausen's Youth Parliament Advocates for Lower Voting Age in NRW
In the heart of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), the city of Oberhausen plays host to a vibrant Youth Parliament, a platform that empowers young people to engage in political discussions and influence local decisions.
The Youth Parliament in Oberhausen, although its exact history and themes are not extensively documented, serves as a forum for youth participation in local governance and social issues. The focus themes for this year's parliament were the right to vote at 16 and climate-friendly mobility in NRW.
NRW made headlines in 2022 when it became the first state in Germany to lower the voting age for state elections to 16 years. This reform, aimed at increasing youth participation in politics and giving younger voices a stronger platform, was a significant step towards empowering the youth.
The connection between the Youth Parliament and the lowering of the voting age lies in the advocacy and political engagement that these initiatives foster. Youth parliaments like Oberhausen's equip young people with knowledge and experience, making them more active participants when given the right to vote.
Recently, the 12th Youth Parliament took place from October 27 to 29, with Sonja Bongers and Johanna Peters, members of the Youth Parliament from the Fasia Jansen Comprehensive School and the Heinrich-Böll Comprehensive School, respectively, taking centre stage. They were given the opportunity to experience parliamentary life, including faction meetings, committees, and debates in the plenary hall.
Both Bongers and Peters, along with two other representatives from Oberhausen, Sonja Bongers and Frederick Cordes, swapped places with young people from their hometown during this time. This exchange programme allowed them to gain a first-hand understanding of the challenges faced by young people and the importance of their voices in shaping the future.
Bongers and Cordes, who have been ardent supporters of the Youth Parliament, expressed enthusiasm about the event. Bongers stated that the Youth Parliament encourages members of parliament to consider the perspective of young people in NRW, while Cordes highlighted the political engagement of the young participants.
Bongers also mentioned the decision on the right to vote at 16, emphasising the need for a stronger voice for young people, not just during the Youth Parliament but all year round. In line with this, Frederick Cordes called on the state government to quickly implement the right to vote at 16.
As the Youth Parliament concludes, the focus shifts to the implementation of the decisions made by the young representatives. The decisions made by the youth were presented to the main committee of the state parliament, marking a significant step towards youth empowerment and active participation in democracy.
For more detailed history or official descriptions, contacting Oberhausen’s local government or youth services would be appropriate, as online sources currently lack this precise information.
- The 12th Youth Parliament in Oberhausen, which took place from October 27 to 29, aimed to encourage young people's participation in local governance and social issues, with a focus on advocating for the lowering of the voting age to 16.
- After the recent reform in NRW that lowered the voting age for state elections to 16, the Youth Parliament serves as a crucial platform for equipping young people with the knowledge and experience they need to influence policy and legislation related to education, self-development, personal growth, and general news, such as climate-friendly mobility.
- Empowered by their experiences at the Youth Parliament, members like Sonja Bongers and Johanna Peters are now calling on the state government to quickly implement the right to vote at 16, emphasizing the importance of giving young people a stronger platform in political discussions and decision-making processes.
