Young activists from youth organisations meet Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz

The participants drew on their experiences within their youth organisations and raised questions and concerns that are of central importance to young people and their self-organised structures.

“Youth organisations are places where young people take on responsibility, shape democracy and critically monitor social developments. That is why it is important that their perspectives are heard at the highest political level,” said Daniela Broda, Chair of the Bundesjugendring. “At the same time, there needs to be the political will to seriously translate young people’s concerns into government action.”

Wendelin Haag, Chair of the Bundesjugendring, emphasised the importance of reliable framework conditions for young civil society: “To ensure that this engagement remains possible in the long term, we need reliable structures, needs-based funding and a supportive political framework.”

During the discussion, the young volunteers made it clear that political decisions have a direct impact on young people and that their perspectives must therefore be taken into account at an early stage and in an effective manner. Among other things, they discussed what young people need to carry out their voluntary work, how intergenerational justice can be put into political practice, and how democracy and social cohesion must be strengthened in the face of far-right attacks.

The Bundesjugendring would like to thank all participants and the Federal Chancellor for the fruitful exchange. The meeting demonstrated how important direct dialogue is between political decision-makers and organised youth civil society.