Panel Discussion: The Role of Youth in Policy-Making

Adolescents from across the country, members of youth party organizations, and representatives from various institutions gathered on March 19 at Magnolio Sala to build future proposals with a youthful perspective on issues such as mental health, climate change, education, violence, and political participation.

The meeting was part of the "Dialogues on the Future of Uruguay" series and was led by UNICEF and UNDP. The first four topics of the dialogue represent the main concerns of the UNICEF Adolescent Council, which consists of young people aged 14 to 20 with diverse identities, geographical backgrounds, socio-economic statuses, and ages. The topic of political participation was defined within the context of the election year and the opportunity to consolidate the political leaders of the future.

During the opening, UNICEF's representative in Uruguay, Francisco Benavides, emphasized that this is the commitment that adolescents and young people want us to make as a society. He stated that Uruguay must make a choice: either listen to young people or miss the opportunity to benefit from their perspective in building a country with more development and a better quality of life.

In the same vein, the UNDP representative in Uruguay, Alfonso Fernández de Castro, considered that no country has a future if it does not incorporate its youth in these decisions.

WHERE WE WANT TO GO

The youth expressed their main aspirations as well as possible paths for their initiatives to become reality in the coming years.

One of the key points raised was to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health issues, enabling open discussion without it being seen as a sign of weakness or something negative. They advocated for the establishment of a support network where adolescents receive ongoing attention, not just in extreme crisis situations. 

Additionally, the importance of having diverse and honest listening spaces in educational centers was emphasized, as well as prioritizing environmental education to foster commitment from everyone. As a possible solution to enforce existing environmental policies, the youth suggested incorporating economic sanctions for non-compliance cases.

To eradicate violence in institutions and neighborhoods, there was insistence on the opportunity for organizations to pool their budgets and take joint actions. This would have a greater impact on protection and safety, allowing children and adolescents to go out on the streets without fear.

Lastly, they demanded real influence in decision-making, advocating for a space in Parliament where their proposals are not only heard but also have an impact.

THE ROLE OF YOUTH IN POLICY

On their part, members of the youth wings of the National Party, Colorado Party, Broad Front, and Open Forum expressed their views on the current role of young people in the country's policies and political activities.

They mentioned that nowadays it is difficult for them to be heard, and that to legitimize their space, the path often involves forming a list and obtaining votes. Currently, their role is to bring up topics that are often overlooked but are social concerns.

The need for profound changes in Uruguay was also mentioned, as there is not adequate generational representation; for instance, one must be at least 25 years old to be a deputy, and 30 years old to be a senator or mayor.

To achieve change and have more and better influence, they considered it crucial for young people, whether from civil society or inter-party spheres, to make a joint generational contribution to enrich political activity with ideas and to secure a space where real decisions are made.