24/09/2012 News
Strasbourg, 24.09.2012 – “Young people have unprecedented access to information but this information does not necessarily give them any real say and will not always enable them to join existing associations or political bodies. Young people should therefore be encouraged to take part in politics,” said Jean-Claude Mignon, PACE President, speaking today in Saint Petersburg at the opening of the 9th Council of Europe Conference of Ministers responsible for Youth.
“Young people seem to want more participatory democracy. It is no longer enough for them to be spectators; they demand their own forums for discussion, where their opinions will be truly taken into account," added Mr Mignon, pointing out that the PACE had opened lines of enquiry on related subjects such as education for citizenship, establishing Youth Councils, holding Youth ‘States-Generals’, the use of social networks by leading politicians to communicate with young people and access for the young to political office.
“The Youth Assembly, which is to be held by the PACE in Strasbourg on 5-7 October 2012, is a step in precisely the right direction,” said Mr Mignon. “We want to give young people a chance not only to express themselves but to be on an equal footing with politicians when discussing issues which affect all of our societies and young people in particular," he concluded.