Young People's Impact in Politics: Assessing Their Political Influence
In the heart of Germany, the Koblenz youth council is making waves, acting as a bridge between young citizens and the city government. This youth advisory body plays a crucial role in advocating for youth concerns, including mobility issues, by meaningfully engaging with local city councils and contributing to policy development and implementation.
Tuana Fincke, a board member of the Koblenz youth council, has been at the forefront of this mission for the past four years. Recently, she was interviewed by Moritz Braun, the current affairs moderator of our website, where she addressed the issue of young people's visibility to politicians.
During the interview, Fincke highlighted the challenges faced by youth related to transportation access, such as affordability, safety, and convenience. She emphasised the need for collaboration with local decision-makers to improve transportation infrastructure and services that specifically address young people’s mobility needs.
The Koblenz youth council, with its 24 members, collaborates with the Koblenz city council and various committees. A persistent issue for the council has been the safety of pedestrian crossings near schools. Fincke herself has submitted proposals regarding this matter.
Beyond mobility, the Koblenz youth council also focuses on environmentally friendly traffic, leisure facilities, and meeting places for young people. By providing a space for young people to be more vocal and socialise with friends, the council fosters a sense of community and empowers young people as civic leaders.
Youth parliaments and councils like Koblenz's exist to give young people a voice. They are platforms through which young people can express their needs, propose solutions, and influence decision-making that affects their communities. By participating in policy cycles from inception to evaluation, advocating for youth rights and opportunities, and helping design and promote inclusive transportation policies, youth councils ensure that mobility challenges and solutions are part of wider youth development and integration efforts.
As the United Nations observes International Youth Day, it's worth noting the significant impact youth councils can have in shaping equitable, sustainable mobility solutions and fostering trust between young populations and municipal authorities. By positioning youth as active agents in local governance rather than passive recipients, youth councils like Koblenz's are paving the way for a more inclusive and representative future.
- Tuana Fincke, advocating for youth visibility in politics, stressed the importance of collaboration between young people and local decision-makers to improve transportation infrastructure and services, focusing on specific mobility needs of the youth.
- Aside from transportation, the Koblenz youth council also focuses on personal growth and education-and-self-development aspects, such as providing environmentally friendly traffic solutions, leisure facilities, and meeting places for young people, thereby fostering a sense of community and empowering them as civic leaders.
