Youth parliaments
What is a Youth parliament?
Youth parliaments are structured mechanisms that provide young people with an opportunity to simulate legislative processes, debate policies, and develop recommendations on issues affecting their communities. These mechanisms usually serve as an educational and participatory platform, equipping young people with a practical understanding of parliamentary procedures, democratic governance, and policy development.
Key characteristics
Youth parliaments can be established at the local, national, or international level and may be government-led, NGO-led, or organized by independent institutionsYouth parliaments can be structured as one-time events or recurring programs, allowing young people to participate without long-term commitmentWhile some youth parliaments focus on educational experiences, others have a stronger advocacy dimension, influencing policy discussionsThe selection of members is typically done either through postal voting systems, and via elections held within schools, youth centres, or community organisations.This mechanism follows a parliamentary-style process that usually involves regular sessions where representatives meet, either in person or virtually, to discuss and debate various issuesThey offer great opportunities to develop key skills such as public speaking, debate, negotiation, leadership, and critical thinkingThe level of influence and recognition depends on institutional support and integration into formal structures (such as a Regional / National Parliament)Different types of Youth parliaments
Local youth parliament
Government-backed initiatives
Independent or NGO-led initiatives
Hybrid models
Do NOT establish this model in case
the primary goal is direct youth participation in formal decision-making processes or you need to operate in an urgent decision-making context the young people engaged are seeking immediate influence over policies or budget allocations you are planning long-term and/or continuous engagement you plan to engage young people who are less familiar with or enthusiastic about formal, parliamentary-style settings you can not ensure sufficient preparation or guidance for the youth