We will increase youth inclusion and improve wellbeing

Children and young people have suffered immensely from the state of emergency caused by COVID-19. In the post-crisis management, the needs of children, young people, and students must be prioritised in Finland and also at the EU level. Every young person should have the opportunity to influence decision-making in their local community and in society more widely. Multi-channel information about opportunities to make a difference should be offered to young people, and resources should be allocated to strengthening youth inclusion. The opportunities and capacity to make a difference, in particular, of those young people who are socially less advantaged must be improved.

The opportunity to be included and influence decisions concerning themselves is important for the development of people’s identity. This is why it is important to develop also the opportunity of children to participate in decision-making regarding themselves and their living context.