Active participation of young people in policymaking is ‘an established reality’ – Azzopardi Tanti

The Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research and Innovation Keith Azzopardi Tanti addressed the Youth Event held as a prelude to the 10th Council of Europe Conference of Ministers responsible for Youth, entitled ‘Young People for Democracy: Youth Perspectives in Action’, which will take place in Valletta, Malta between 8 and 9 October 2025.

During his address at the Youth Event, Parliamentary Secretary Keith Azzopardi Tanti said that, “the active participation of young people in policymaking is no longer an aspiration but an established reality. However, this reality should never be taken for granted – it must remain dynamic and meaningful. True participation means listening carefully, acting on what is heard, and ensuring that the voices of young people lead to real change.”

He continued that this spirit is also reflected in Malta’s National Youth Policy – Towards 2030, which seeks to strengthen young people’s voices and support them in becoming part of the change they wish to see. He said that in Malta “we are also looking beyond 2030, whereby through Malta Vision 2050 we are placing young people at the centre of our future – as key partners in shaping policy on education, innovation, climate action, mental wellbeing, and civic participation.”

“Youth participation must be regarded as an indispensable component of our democratic system. Only then can we truly say that we have achieved the full and equal partnership of young people in building a democratic, resilient, and inclusive Europe,” concluded Azzopardi Tanti.

The 10th Council of Europe Conference of Ministers responsible for Youth will bring together young people, youth leaders, and representatives from organisations across Europe to discuss their priorities for the future of European democracy and to present their conclusions to the Ministers during the Conference. Its aim is to strengthen the active participation of young people in European policymaking and ensure that their voices are an integral part of the ministerial deliberations.

The Conference will focus on the crucial role of the Council of Europe as a key youth policy actor within the architecture of international organisations and European institutions, providing a strategic platform to strengthen youth perspectives and participation in European policymaking; build on the Reykjavík Declaration and the New Democratic Pact for Europe; support policymakers in developing inclusive, youth-centred policies and youth work strategies; recognise the contribution of young people to the recovery and democratic life of Ukraine; encourage member states to adopt the Council of Europe Reference Framework on a Youth Perspective as a guiding document for advancing youth policy across Europe, a statement by the government read.

The Conference is expected to adopt the final declaration “Young People for Democracy: Youth Perspectives in Action” and to endorse the conclusions of the 4th European Youth Work Convention, held in Malta in May 2025.