Let’s explore how to strengthen young people's participation in policymaking and build more inclusive democracies in Northern Ireland.

Young people’s voices often go unheard in political decision-making. Historically, they have been considered as citizens-in-training and consequently the political establishment tend to prioritise what they think is important to young people, as opposed to what young people feel is important to their lived experience. This workshop brings together youth work practitioners, researchers and decision-makers to reflect on the challenges affecting young people in Northern Ireland today.

The workshop will consider the social, cultural and economic factors that impact upon young people’s freedom of expression, and begins the process of developing strategies for how we engage and encourage within them a long-term interest in policymaking – which is particularly relevant in a post-conflict society. Together we will challenge assumptions of youth apathy by drawing on recent research conducted with and experiences of working with young people, which shows a nuanced and deep concern for the issues facing them today. We will hear from established as well as new and emerging voices in youth work and research, and suggest ways forward to bring young people and political decision-makers together.

Keynote Speaker: Andy Hamilton, Ulster University

Panellists to include: Jade Irwin (the Fostering Network NI), Alexis Ekwueme (Diverse Youth NI), Nina Liebhaber (Ulster University), Betty Healy (Ulster University)

Venue: The Factory, The MAC, Belfast

Organisers: Sara McDowell and Suzanne Beech

Description supplied by the event organiser.