Fundur fólksins 2023: Social awareness and democracy - how do we promote youth participation in social activities?

Iceland, like other Nordic countries, is known for its vital and positive leisure activities, and youths have the opportunity to join a wide variety of clubs and societies. Such societies are more often than not a place where young people can boost their self-confidence, make new friends and pursue their interests. Unfortunately, the trend is that fewer young people are taking advantage of these opportunities. At the same time, the mental well-being of young people is deteriorating and more young people feel left out in society. This tendency is particularly noticeable among young people in a vulnerable social situation who are at risk of being marginalised in society. To promote the social participation of young people, there are various obstacles that need to be overcome.

The dwindling social participation of young people is a common challenge for the Nordic countries. Because of this, the Nordic Council of Ministers, in collaboration with the Danish think-tank Mandag morgen, has decided to bring together young people, experts and representatives of non-governmental organizations and public authorities for a conversation about the issue at all five Nordic democracy festivals. Here we will try to answer the question: How do we engage all our young people and empower them socially?

Partner:

Mandag Morgen

• Sigurþóra Bergsdóttir, manager of Bergið Headspace
• Representative of the Reykjavík Youth Council
• Dagur B. Eggertsson, mayor of Reykjavík