Parliaments and Youth: From Representation to Engagement and Participation

From 9-10 July, 2024, Inter Pares, in partnership with the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan, hosted a two-day peer-to-peer workshop on youth engagement in parliaments, bringing together parliamentarians, youth representatives, and parliamentary experts from Uzbekistan and EU Member States.

With more than 60 percent of Uzbekistan’s population under 30, the Oliy Majlis has been exploring ways to strengthen youth involvement in parliamentary processes. Initiatives like the Youth Parliament aim to ensure that young people’s perspectives shape policies, train future political leaders, and create pathways for meaningful participation in law-making.

The workshop provided a platform to exchange knowledge, explore innovative tools, and reflect on effective mechanisms for youth participation. Key themes included:

• From representation to active engagement – Recognising young people as active contributors and “agents of change” in policy-making.
• Effective communication and civic education – Leveraging digital platforms, social media, school and university programs, and interactive visits to connect with youth across diverse backgrounds.
• Youth parliaments as models of engagement – Sharing experiences from Uzbekistan, Cyprus, and EU Member States to strengthen the function and impact of youth parliaments.
• Institutionalising youth participation – Highlighting the role of parliamentary committees, advisory councils, and administrative structures in embedding youth voices in legislative, budgeting, and oversight processes.
• Sustainable practices – Emphasising long-term engagement strategies, mentorship programs, and collaboration with youth organisations to foster mutual understanding and trust.

The workshop featured sessions led by members of the Uzbek Senate and Legislative Chamber, youth parliamentarians, and international experts, including representatives from Cyprus, Czechia, Germany, and Slovakia. Discussions combined presentations, Q&A, and practical reflections to inform future strategies for parliamentary youth engagement.

By the end of the workshop, participants identified key priorities and actionable steps to ensure that youth participation moves beyond symbolic representation, becoming a core part of democratic governance in Uzbekistan and beyond.

Additional Resources: 

• Youth Engagement Workshop Agenda
• Key Takeaways: Parliaments and Youth: Towards Impactful Engagement
• Youth Parliamentary Participation Principles