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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

The Board of Children and Youth Fund

The Roundtable for Youth (Kerekasztal a Fiatalokért) was a professional forum through which the Government communicates with the leading organisations and individual professionals in the field of youth policy. Since 2020, the Roundtable has not been convened due to the pandemic situation and currently there is no sign of continuation. The main advisory body is currently the Board of Children and Youth Fund (Gyermek és Ifjúsági Alapprogram Tanácsa). The Fund does not deal specifically with global issues but it has the opportunity to do so, and many global issues have domestic implications which could be the topic of indirect dialogue. Representatives of the

• the ministry responsible for youth policy,
• the national self-governmental bodies,
• Hungarian Youth Conference (Magyar Ifjúsági Konferencia),
• The National Organisation of Student Self-governing Bodies (Hallgatói Önkormányzatok Országos Konferenciája)
• The National Association of Large Families (Nagycsaládosok Országos Egyesülete),
• The Hungarian Scout Association (Magyar Cserkészszövetség),
• Hungarian School Sport Federation (Magyar Diáksport Szövetség),
• FIVOSZ – National Association of Young Entrepreneurs (FIVOSZ),
• Hungarian Farmers' Association (Fiatal Gazdák Magyarországi Szövetsége – AGRYA) are invited to 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 sub-chapter 5.3 Youth representation bodies)

EU Youth Delegates

One of the main roles for exchanges with policy-makers at the domestic level is 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). The government involves also the delegates into the preparation of the Hungarian Presidency in July 2024. 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).

Global issues exchanges with policy-makers at the international level

United Nations Youth Delegate Programme

Hungary joined the United Nations 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

• to bring the gathered experiences to as many domestic and international decision-makers as possible, and
• make proposals to improve the situation of young people and
• also draws attention to sustainable development goals.

Currently, the Ministry for 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 2023, the delegate is Offenbächer Csenge Margit. Her aim is to represent the youth of Hungary, at both domestic and international events. She focuses on young people - specifically women - living in the countryside. The female hygiene, its education and the aspects of sustainable development concerning women are important topics for her.

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 information in 2023, Hungary has made significant efforts to provide appropriate solution to this challenge that can be considered a 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.

As part of the European Year of Youth 2022, the National Youth Council (Nemzeti Ifjúsági Tanács) has also supported programmes on the social integration of young Ukrainians and has itself organised aid campaigns for young Ukrainians and young Hungarians from Transcarpathia. Several Hungarian youth organisations and the 2022 UN Youth Delegate have also been involved into similar actions.