DBJR and BAGSO strengthen cooperation for intergenerational solidarity

Daniela Broda and Wendelin Haag, Chairwomen of the German Federal Youth Council, and BAGSO Chairwoman Dr Regina Görner took part in the discussion. The focus was on the current social and political framework conditions and the question of how civil society organisations can remain capable of acting together in times of upheaval.

There was agreement that civil society organisations play a central role in social cohesion, democratic participation and the representation of interests. Against this backdrop, both organisations reaffirmed their desire to further intensify their cooperation as major civil society players.

A particular focus was placed on intergenerational solidarity as a unifying theme. Youth organisations and youth rings are places where young people take on responsibility as active co-creators of social processes. The Bundesjugendring sees intergenerational solidarity as a guiding political principle based on mutual respect, participation and shared responsibility.

Daniela Broda and Wendelin Haag, chairpersons of the Bundesjugendring, emphasise: "For us, intergenerational solidarity means that young people are not taken seriously as future stakeholders, but as equal actors in the here and now. A sustainable society can only be created if all generations take responsibility together and negotiate political decisions with each other."

In the view of BAGSO, respectful, solidary co-operation between the generations is essential for the cohesion of our society. As an umbrella organisation for senior citizens' organisations, BAGSO promotes encounters, exchanges and learning from and with each other. "Especially in the face of social change, we need a strong solidarity between the generations. It is about bringing together different perspectives and jointly developing solutions that ensure the cohesion of our society in the long term," said BAGSO Chairwoman Dr Regina Görner.

Both organisations agreed to continue the exchange and to develop concrete approaches for increased cooperation in the field of intergenerational solidarity.