Parliamentary Representation: School Girls Participate in NRW Youth Congress
In the heart of North Rhine-Westphalia, the Youth Parliament in Düsseldorf recently convened, providing a platform for young minds to engage with current sociopolitical topics and gain firsthand experience in democratic participation.
During the faction, committee, and plenary sessions, topics such as Mental Health and Financial Education in Schools took centre stage, reflecting the concerns and interests of the participating students. This year, a total of 190 young people aged 16 to 20 participated in the event.
Charleen Kalamarz, a former student of Mülheim Willy-Brandt Comprehensive School, was one of the young parliamentarians who took part in the debates. She found the experience exciting and educational about political daily life, stating, "The Youth Parliament was a unique opportunity to learn about the inner workings of politics and to make my voice heard on issues that matter to me."
Charleen, along with Ilaria Imparato and Nadine Pawlinsky, temporarily replaced local state parliamentarians in Düsseldorf for three days. Their participation was not only a testament to their commitment but also a demonstration of the Youth Parliament's mission to empower young people and give them a voice in political decision-making.
Sonja Bongers, another participant, emphasized the importance of the Youth Parliament, saying, "The Youth Parliament gives young people the opportunity to bring their perspectives into political work. It's a chance for us to learn from each other and to shape the future of our society."
The Youth Parliament's influence extends beyond the three-day event. The results of the debates will be further discussed in the responsible specialist committees in the North Rhine-Westphalia state parliament. Stefan Zimkeit, a parliamentarian, acknowledged the passion and clarity with which the participants argued for their concerns, stating, "Parliamentarians could learn a thing or two from the energy of the Youth Parliament participants."
Frederick Cordes, a local state parliamentarian, criticized the common talk of young people's political disinterest and highlighted that the Youth Parliament allows them to speak for themselves. He added, "This feedback from young people is valuable not only for the participants but also for the parliamentarians."
As the Youth Parliament in Düsseldorf continues to provide a space for young people to voice their opinions and engage in meaningful discussions, it serves as a stepping stone towards a more inclusive and informed democratic process. The upcoming democratic participation-focused events, such as the 2025 Open Government Partnership Global Summit in Spain and a conference on citizen participation scheduled for September 2025 in Marburg, indicate a vibrant landscape of youth and citizen participation initiatives in Germany.
For more specific Youth Parliament sessions and detailed student testimonials from Düsseldorf, local sources would be needed. However, the impact of the Youth Parliament in Düsseldorf is clear: it empowers young people, fosters dialogue, and encourages active participation in democracy.
- The topics discussed in the Youth Parliament, such as Mental Health and Financial Education, demonstrate the relevance of education-and-self-development in political discourse, as these concerns directly impact the younger generation.
- The 2025 Open Government Partnership Global Summit in Spain and the September 2025 conference on citizen participation in Marburg are examples of general-news events that continue the Youth Parliament's mission of fostering youth and citizen engagement in political decision-making.
