Commission on Youth Issues

Youth in Turku

Turku, European Capital of Culture 2011, hosted a meeting of UBC Commission on Youth Issues on 25-27 April.This time 11 cities participated. First topic was about interesting cultural youth projects cities have had recently. Secondly, the Commission made final decisions on larger youth project application.

The Commission will be developing, empowering and promoting youth councils in the Baltic cities, but also communicating the views and understandings of youth through different media campaigns. The tradition of holding youth conferences will be continued this fall in Liepāja on 4 - 7 October.

Kristīne Priedīte interviewed a few participants and gathered valuable feedback from the meeting. This might inspire cities not involved in the Commission's workyet.

HASAN HABIB (TURKU): I am wondering why we didn't become a member of the Commission earlier. After the meeting in Turku we definitely would like to be the member. It is a good opportunity to meet future project partners. It was a great pleasure to host the meeting . and show you our culture and diversity.

ALESSIINAJUUSO (KEMI): It was very interesting to meet other youngsters and exchange opinions. It is interesting to see how other cit ies organize their youth work. I am interested in going to youth conference in Liepaja, too. I hope that other cities from Finland will also come.

UFFE HARRIS (KOLDING): There are several advantages of this meeting. First, there is networking opportunity - we need people with whom to work in future. One more advantage is the inspiration - we can compare our experiences and decide what we could do in our city. Finally, there are exciting projects which we can participate in. We want to participate as much as we can. Here are very serious people involved.

RENATE GROSS (TALLINN): I met new people with whom I may have projects in future, got ideas for Youth Council in Tallinn and spent a good time. 1 will definitely join meetings in the future. I think that Comission has a great potential.

BO OTTERSTROEM (GULDBORGSUND): I already have e-mailed Youth School about the opportunity to join Commission. Also, we are looking forward to hosting the Commission's meeting in spring 2013. We will probably propose new projects as well. It was very nice to V network with people and make new contacts.

CAROLINE TRAM NGUYEN (KRISTIANSAND): Our biggest benefit from the meeting in Turku is the new project we would like to participate in. It is also good that cities can exchange experiences. Of course, there are topics which can't be discussed because of the totally different situations, but there are also many common things and we would like to hear other opinions.

DEJAN PANOW (ROSTOCK): This was one of the best meetings - we talked about concrete projects and all participants were goal oriented. We will take part in the new project. We also have many things to say to the politicians about things they should do. Youth is the future and will become decision makers and politicians should listen to their opinions.