Seminar Series on Youth Participation in Parliament

Many parliaments have only recently started engaging young people. Members and staff need unique professional and personal skills to do so effectively. They are likely to face challenges in the early stages, including: concerns around safeguarding, especially when dealing with those under 18; uncertainties around how to best meet young people where they are, including seldom heard groups; and, more generally, hesitation to depart from established ways of working. 

The INTER PARES Seminar Series on Youth Participation will address these points during three online workshops. This programme is open to parliamentary staff only.  It provides introductions by youth engagement experts, alongside case study presentations by representatives from EU Member State Parliaments and INTER PARES partner parliaments. 

SESSION 1 | Wednesday 27 November, 1:30pm - 3pm CET 

Introduction to safeguarding of children & young people  

This first session focuses on safeguarding: the legal and ethical considerations parliaments should be aware of when engaging with children and young people, online and in-person. It introduces the first case study: the Children’s Sub-Committee of the German Bundestag. 

SESSION 2 | Wednesday 4 December, 1:30pm - 3pm CET  

To adapt or not to adapt? Youth participation and parliamentary practice

Session two explores the practical side of bringing young people into parliamentary work, with a focus on committee work. How can staff prepare themselves, Members and the young people involved? What steps can be taken to ensure appropriate and constructive engagement? This session is informed by case studies from Ireland and Trinidad & Tobago. 

SESSION 3 | Wednesday 11 December, 1:30pm - 3pm CET 

It takes a village: advocating for youth participation in your parliament

In this final session, participants tackle some ‘devil’s advocates’ questions. Why does youth participation matter, and how can awareness and support be built within your institution?  As a final step, we invite participants to share what skills they would like to focus on in the future and what support INTER PARES could offer going forward. 

Practical details are outlined in the Frequently Asked Questions below.  In case of any questions, please contact Lotte Geunis at l.geunis@idea.int or c.viaggio@idea.int. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Who can register? Priority will be given to parliamentary staff members from INTER PARES partner parliaments and EU Member State Parliaments. Others are welcome to apply but will only be admitted if places are available once registration closes. 

How do I register? Please register by filling out this form. We will be in touch to either confirm your place or to let you know you have been waitlisted. Please note that we will ask you to accept your place on the programme. If we do not hear from you, we will assign your place to someone on the waiting list. 

When should I register? Places are limited and will be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. Registration closes Friday 22 November. Final confirmation of your places will be shared by Monday 25 November at the latest. 

Is participation in the INTER PARES Seminar Series free? Yes, participation is free of charge.