Not Without Us! Youth Participation in Politics

Young people are directly affected by political decisions — whether in the areas of education, climate, social justice, or international crises and conflicts. Nevertheless, they are often underrepresented in political decision-making processes, and their perspectives are frequently not sufficiently taken into account.

At the same time, meaningful youth participation can make political processes not only more diverse, but also more sustainable and future-oriented. This is exactly where the mandate of the Youth Delegates to the UN General Assembly comes in: Since 2005, Germany has sent two Youth Delegates every year to represent the perspectives, demands, and concerns of young people from Germany at the United Nations General Assembly. At the same time, they help familiarize young people in Germany with the work of the UN and promote international exchange.

We are therefore very pleased to welcome the current German Youth Delegates to the UN General Assembly, Eduard Hillgert and Sahra Rezaie, to the Schwarzkopf Foundation Young Europe on Tuesday, 9 June 2026 at 5:30 PM.

Together with our guests, we would like to discuss what youth participation in political processes can look like in practice — from local initiatives to international organizations such as the United Nations: How can young people actively shape political decision-making? What opportunities exist for bringing in their own perspectives and demands? What challenges remain? And what role can youth participation play, particularly in policy areas such as foreign and security policy, where young voices are often still underrepresented?

The event is explicitly intended to create space for exchange and discussion: In addition to insights into the work of the Youth Delegates, participants will have the opportunity to ask questions, share their own experiences and demands, and engage in discussion together.

We would be delighted to welcome you and kindly ask for binding registration by 8 June 2026.