On this page

1. Global issues exchanges with policy-makers at the domestic level

2. Global issues exchanges with policy-makers at the international level

Global issues exchanges with policy-makers at the domestic level

In Hungary, exchanges between young people and policy-makers on global issues occur through both institutionalized national boards and thematic, project-based consultation processes, primarily linked to EU and UN frameworks.

Board of the Children and Youth Fund

The main advisory body in the field of youth policy is currently the Board of the Children and Youth Fund (Gyermek és Ifjúsági Alapprogram Tanácsa). While its main mandate is the distribution of funds, it serves as a platform for dialogue between the government and major youth organisations. They have formal, regular meetings and the Ministry of Culture and Innovation (Kulturális és Innovációs Minisztérium) manages the board. 

The ministry responsible for youth policy, the national self-governmental bodies, the Hungarian Youth Conference (Magyar Ifjúsági Konferencia) and the National Organisation of Student Self-governing Bodies (Hallgatói Önkormányzatok Országos Konferenciája) are invited to the meetings. The National Association of Large Families (Nagycsaládosok Országos Egyesülete), the Hungarian Scout Association (Magyar Cserkészszövetség), the Hungarian School Sport Federation (Magyar Diáksport Szövetség), the National Association of Young Entrepreneurs (FIVOSZ) and the Hungarian Farmers' Association (Fiatal Gazdák Magyarországi Szövetsége – AGRYA) also participates in the meetings.

The common feature of these organisations is the promotion of strong engagement among young people. The number of invitees is constantly expanding. The outcome of the talks is usually a reminder of the discussions. (For more information on the Board, see 5.3.)

EU Youth Delegates

One of the main roles in exchanges with policy-makers at the domestic level is played by the EU Youth Delegates. According to the Ministry information, the two EU Youth Delegates are responsible for visiting a country, learning about the situation of young people and participating in EU Youth Events (three times in total during the cycle). One delegate usually participates in the Spanish-Belgian-Hungarian Trio meeting, therefore, she/he is involved in the discussion of priorities and objectives related to youth, together with the National Youth Council (Nemzeti Ifjúsági Tanács).

EU Youth Dialogue

The EU Youth Dialogue is the major systematic framework for exchanges on global and European issues. Following the conclusion of the Spanish-Belgian-Hungarian Presidency Trio (2023–2024), the dialogue has continued within the subsequent presidency cycles (such as the 2025–2026 cycles involving Poland, Denmark, and Cyprus).

Global issues exchanges with policy-makers at the international level

United Nations Youth Delegate Programme

Hungary joined the United Nations (UN) Youth Delegate Programme (ENSZ Ifjúsági Küldött Program) in 2016. The purpose of the delegate is to gain the broadest possible understanding of the views of young people in their country of origin, while also paying attention to the inclusion of marginalised groups. The delegate tries to bring the gathered experiences to as many domestic and international decision-makers as possible, makes proposals to improve the situation of young people and also draws attention to sustainable development goals.

Currently, the Ministry of Culture and Innovation (Kulturális és Innovációs Minisztérium) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Külgazdasági és Külügyminisztérium) are responsible for implementing the programme.

In 2026, the delegate is Peter Balogh. His goals include promoting active citizenship and social responsibility, encouraging honest and realistic dialogue among young people about everyday challenges such as balancing a healthy lifestyle and the risks of addiction, and strengthening student representation and community-based solutions in rural areas. Péter Balogh previously served as Junior Youth Delegate in 2025. His priorities include fostering meaningful youth participation in public life, supporting innovation and opportunity awareness among students, and building bridges between young people and decision-makers at both national and international levels.

Youth Stakeholders Group

In 2025, Hungary joined the EU Youth Stakeholders Group established by the European Commission, in which young people will be directly involved through the participation of the National Youth Council. The aim is to involve European youth organisations, national youth councils, youth researchers, Member State representatives and other EU institutions in the implementation of the legacy of the European Year of Youth 2022 and the EU Youth Strategy 2019-2027. It also aims to promote dialogue and youth consultations on upcoming EU policy initiatives. Both governmental and youth representatives will be involved in the group, ensuring adequate representation of the youth field at EU level.

Other forums and conferences

Young Hungarians are also given additional formal opportunities to engage with Hungarian and foreign policy-makers and relevant stakeholders on issues of global interest. For example, the UN ECOSOC Forum or the Visegrad Youth Forums (VYF). These platforms are formal, predictable and systematic. The UN forums are usually held in New York with the participation of the United Nations Youth Delegate (ENSZ Ifjúsági Küldött).

Assistance to young Ukrainian refugees

The Russian-Ukrainian war has raised the question of how to integrate young refugees from Ukraine into the Hungarian community. According to the Ministry's information in 2024, Hungary made significant efforts to provide appropriate solutions to this global challenge. The government has provided humanitarian aid to refugees and ensured that young Ukrainians can study in Hungarian education institutions and supported language learning.