1.3 National youth strategy
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Existence of a National Youth Strategy
In 2009, the Youth Policy Guidelines for 2009 – 2018 were approved (hereinafter referred to as “the Guidelines”). Guidelines has lapsed, because entered into force Youth Policy Implementation Plan 2016-2020.
On 12 April, 2016 Latvian Government approved Youth Policy Implementation Plan 2016-2020.
The Guidelines were developed as part of a 10 year policy planning document, which aims to create a coherent means of implementing and coordinating youth policy, whilst also identifying priority actions and policies that form a vision of development that relates to youth policy and young peoples’ quality of life. The guidelines identify the key challenges facing youth policy, as well the main actions, directions and operational results needed in the youth policy field over a 10 year period.
In 2013, the mid-term evaluation guidelines were carried out, identifying significant shortcomings developed within the document's structure and content. Therefore, it was decided that a new, medium-term youth policy planning document would be developed to overcome the identified shortcomings and integrate youth policy with EU level documents, as well as national development planning documents.
Youth Policy Implementation Plan 2016 - 2020 (hereinafter - the Plan) is a medium-term policy planning document for the next five years, aimed to improve the quality of life of young people to make a coherent youth policy implementation and coordination at all levels, identifying priority lines of action and policy results. The plan sets out the basic principles of the youth policy, the values, the most significant challenges identified courses of action, the main tasks and results to be achieved in the coming years.
Youth policy objective in the Youth Policy Implementation Plan is improving young people's quality of life for young people in creating a supportive and inclusive environment, supporting their initiatives and participation, as well as strengthening young people's susceptibility, healthy lifestyle.
Having regard to the resolution on a renewed framework for European cooperation in the youth field (Year 2010-2018) the youth policy of eight aspects: participation, education and training creativity and culture, social inclusion, youth and the world, volunteering, employment and entrepreneurship , and health and well-being an action plan.
Based on these aspects, taking into account the current situation in Latvian youth policy is developed following three courses of action:
- environment;
- participation;
- personality development.
Every year the Ministry of Education and Science (MoES) elaborates on its annual programme, which includes particular measures and activities for implementing youth policy within the Youth Policy Implementation Plan 2016 - 2020. The funding allocated for the implementation of youth policy is then given based on the annual programme’s slice of the state budget.
Each institution within their field of competence drafts an annual work programme, which includes actions for specific target groups, including particular youth groups (drug abusers, unemployed young people, etc).
Responsible authority for the implementation of the Youth Strategy
The Department of Policy Initiatives and Development within the Ministry of Education and Science (MoES) is primarily responsible for youth policies and issues. Its major tasks include promoting cooperation, implementing youth measures, organizing training for youth workers, and enabling access to information. Municipalities take responsibility for implementing youth policy through the creation of local youth policy planning documents. A Youth Advisory Council exists to promote a coherent youth policy and encourage youth participation in decision-making and public life.
Youth Policy Guidelines 2021-2027 is under development