Young people get involved
It’s all about their future: 70 young people from all over the world are meeting in Berlin for the Youth20 dialogue forum. At the end they will present their views on international issues to the Federal Chancellor.
They will be debating until their vocal chords ache, asking questions until their interlocutors can take no more, and then rushing off to experience Berlin nightlife to relax and chill. This, or something like this, is what can be expected to happen when 70 juveniles and young adults meet in Berlin from 1 to 8 June for the Youth20 (Y20) dialogue forum. They come from over 20 countries and have different interests and backgrounds. Despite that, or perhaps precisely because of that, they want to agree common positions on the big issues of global politics: climate change and the world economy, migration und refugees, the fight against terrorism and corruption.
These are the same topics that are being discussed at the G20 summit in July. That is no coincidence: the Federal Government has invited these young people in preparation for the summit of the 19 leading nations and the European Union. Y20 is part of an extensive dialogue in which the Federal Chancellor is engaging with a wide variety of civil society groups. The young people intend to present Angela Merkel with their hard-won position papers in person on 7 June. The Federal Chancellor will take their suggestions to the G20 summit in Hamburg on 7 and 8 July, which is being held under German Presidency in 2017. That is how the voice of youth will receive a hearing at the influential G20 platform.
When the Y20 participants arrive in Berlin, they will already know each other, at least in virtual form. They already agreed on their first key areas long before the Berlin meeting as part of an online dialogue. In Berlin they will primarily be involved in work on the position papers. In addition to their own positions, they also aim to formulate solutions and recommendations. In the process, they will be able to consult experts from different fields. However, something else plays a major role in Berlin, something that no online community can achieve: the young people will have an opportunity to explore the city’s diversity and immerse themselves in German history and culture.
The Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth is acting as host of the Youth20 dialogue.
Are you actively involved in campaigning for causes like climate protection, gender justice or refugees? Then take part in #youforG20!
