Youth Declearation of Bursa

16-22 May 2009 Osmangazi Bursa

We, the participants of the Transnational Seminar on Innovative Approaches for Youth Participation, gathered in Osmangazi (Bursa) between the 16^th and 22^nd May 2009. There were seven countries involved in the discussion process: Bulgaria, Germany, Netherlands, Romania, Sweden, Turkey and United Kingdom. We believe it is important to identify creative opportunities to encourage young people to become active in the social and political life of their communities and get them involved in the decision-making process, which has an impact on their lives.

We have found that irrespective of our countries’ differences, commonly there is lack of information on how young people find the opportunities to get involved. Young people don’t have a clear explanation of the concept of youth participation, what it includes, means and what they can achieve.

We identify the need to further develop national youth policies. Since young people make up a large percentage of the population and will become the future leaders, we want to establish an environment in which young people can develop their interests, be motivated, are able to express their voices and make their opinions heard. These will be valued and acted upon, taking into consideration their different needs. We commit to ensuring young people are able to identify the benefits; the learning and the skills they will get through their involvement in active youth participation.

Our suggestions are,

Active Citizenship

A citizen becomes an active citizen when he/she feels the need to try to change/contribute things to make a difference alone or with others. The governments and the local authorities should facilitate young people to be active citizens by creating networks and awareness through education and engaging with young people through activities they want to do. They should be gıven power in the decision making process and in a transparent way. The young people have a right to participation regardless of gender, race, religion, age, socioeconomic status and political opinion.

E-Participation

To reach young people, the politicians and policy makers need to speak their language. Youths are more likely to use modern media for communication and Politicians need to be aware of these new mediums to involve and reach the young people and to understand their needs and opinions. There is a need to campaign to policy makers and local authorities as well as parents and guardians in order to increase the usage of this media to engage with the young citizens.

Structural Dialogue

It is necessary to establish and empower a structural dialogue which helps young people and policy makers to understand each other in a good way and to have a common vision. In order to reach the young people we have to engage and educate the parents and guardians to allow the youth to have a voice and freedom to express their own opinions and experiences.

We will use youth councils and youth panels to create a forum to debate and promote the culture of participation. We want young mediators between the young people and policy makers. Local authorities, local and national education should provide resources and funding for projects which help young people to participate and develop their talents and make use of their ideas and contribute to their communities.

Conclusion

We believe that youth participation is doing together, talking together, thinking together and deciding together. Young people and adults should learn from each other and co create a better future.