University on Youth and Development demands strong positive actions for youth rights

The 14th Edition of the University on Youth and Development in Mollina, Spain, closed on the 29th September, after gathering more than 200 youth representatives from organisations worldwide for a week of inspiring activities.

A “Democratic Citizenship”-themed discussion explored engagement in the development of active global citizens in democratic societies. Related to that theme were several activities covering advocacy work and cooperation among national youth councils (NYCs) as well as peace building in the Caucasus and Roma communities. The European Youth Forum organised two additional functions, including a Quality Assurance (QA) of Non-Formal Education (NFE) training and a meeting of the ad hoc task force on structured dialogue.

To close the event, a declaration containing the main advocacy claims of the University’s core partners was presented. One of its chief points calls “upon governments to foster a culture of responsible, proactive and democratic citizenship for all citizens, in particular for all young people … and to remove all obstacles to full and effective exercise of their civil and political rights and duties.”

At the closing ceremony, Youth Forum President Peter Matjašič highlighted the declaration’s value as an advocacy tool for advancing young people’s rights locally, nationally and in the European Union, Council of Europe and United Nations. The World Youth Conference 2014 in Sri Lanka will be a key event for sharing the declaration.

The Youth Forum firmly echoes the University’s sentiment that youth are not only Europe’s future but also demand an active voice in society. The rights of young people need actions — now.