Global issues exchange with policy-makers at the domestic level

Young People in Politics Project – Participating for a Global Citizenship

The "Young People in Politics Project – Participating for a Global Citizenship" aims to promote global citizenship among young people, integrating development education issues into their activity programmes. This project includes a wide range of knowledge exchange initiatives between various actors:

• Meetings with several Parliamentary Committees – Foreign Affairs and Portuguese Communities; Education and Science; National Defence; Employment and Social Security; Culture, Communication, Youth and Sports.
• Participation in national meetings with different political parties.

The project is coordinated by AIDGLOBAL, in partnership with the Centre of International Studies of ISCTE – University Institute of Lisbon, the Portuguese Institute of Sport and Youth (IPDJ), the Portuguese National Youth Council (CNJ), and the National Federation of Youth Associations (FNAJ). The project is co-funded by Camões – Institute for Cooperation and Language.

Recent Initiatives Involving Portuguese Youth

1. 100 Acts of Global Citizenship

The "100 Acts of Global Citizenship" initiative by the Global Citizenship Foundation aims to empower young people to develop the skills, knowledge, values, and attitudes needed to address 21^st-century challenges. This initiative encourages young people to participate in translating the 2030 Agenda into local, national, and regional policies and actions. Portuguese youth can participate in collaborative projects, develop innovative solutions, and contribute to the resilience of their communities (Global Citizenship Foundation).

2. The Power of Youth: a Look Into Youth Participation in the 2024 Global Elections

This initiative highlights youth participation in the 2024 global elections, exploring how they engaged in the elections and their critical role in shaping the global democratic landscape. Portuguese youth is encouraged to participate in elections and engage in campaigns that promote voter participation and systemic change (Global Citizen).

3. "All Together for the European Elections 2024"

In 2024, ERYICA (European Youth Information and Counselling Agency) launched a campaign to promote the European Parliament elections, focusing on first-time voters. Portugal, through the Portuguese Institute of Sport and Youth (IPDJ), actively participated in this initiative. The campaign, part of the EU inFORM project "Walk the Talk", aimed to enhance democratic participation among young people. ERYICA was officially recognized as a communication partner by the European Parliament for its efforts. The campaign included various activities and events to engage youth and encourage their involvement in the electoral process, emphasizing the importance of their voices in shaping the future of Europe

4. World Youth Forum 2024 in Portugal

The World Youth Forum 2024 was held in Porto, Portugal, from December 20 to 23, 2024. This forum brought together youth leaders, activists, students, and professionals from around the world to discuss global issues, develop leadership skills, and promote international cooperation. Portuguese youth had the opportunity to participate, learn, and collaborate with peers from different countries (World Youth Forum).

These initiatives demonstrate how Portuguese youth are being involved and empowered to actively participate in society and contribute to global citizenship.

Global issues exchange with policy-makers at the international level

Let’s Take Care of the Planet

The project "Let’s Take Care of the Planet" was the result of the International Conference “Let’s Take Care of the Planet”, which took place in 2010 in Brazil. This conference gathered young people from 47 countries, who wrote a reference document together – the “Let’s Take Care of the Planet” Youth International Charter. The project involved more than 15 European countries that locally developed their projects and then presented their results in the joint conference that takes place annually, resulting in a set of tools. It has been coordinated by the non-governmental organisation Monde Pluriel since 2009, which supports participating countries in the national development processes of projects and the implementation methodology, in collaboration with the European Methodological Committee, composed of members of the national coordination of each country. 

The project was funded by the Charles Leopold Mayer Foundation, and its national and local implementation has counted on a diversified number of funding sources throughout the years, including the informal education programme – Youth in Action (2012); the Committee of the Regions, which represents the local and regional authorities of the European Union (2012 and 2015); and the European Economic and Social Committee, an advisory body of the European Union (2015).

In Portugal, this project has been coordinated since 2014 by ASPEA – Portuguese Association for Environmental Education, with the participation of 8 partner schools (Valença, Barreiro, Monção, Aveiro, Nelas, Tondela, Mangualde, and Galicia, in Spain) (Climate Chance, One Planet Network).

World`s Largest Lesson

The World`s Largest Lesson initiative was born under the Everyone Project, a project that counts with the association of organisations such as UNICEF and UNESCO, as well as worldwide personalities.

This initiative was created under the Sustainable Development Goals and intends to involve children and young people in the promotion of active global citizenship and a greater awareness of the role of each of them in building a safer, healthier, and more sustainable world.

The initiative involves, every year, the Ministries of Education of the associated countries which are responsible for promoting open classes that lead to the reflection and discussion of themes linked to the Sustainable Development Goals. Both students and teachers are involved in these classes.

In Portugal, the World`s Largest Lesson is promoted by the Portuguese Committee for UNICEF and the Directorate General for Education – Ministry of Education, through the development of resources adapted in Portuguese (World's Largest Lesson, Global Ed Guide).

EU Youth Dialogue – EU Youth Conference and EU Youth Dialogue

Portugal has been actively involved in the EU Youth Dialogue, a participatory process that aims to foster youth participation in EU youth policy. This involvement is in line with the EU Youth Strategy 2019-2027, which seeks to engage young people in decision-making processes and ensure their voices are heard at the European level.

Portuguese Participation in the EU Youth Dialogue

Portugal's participation in the EU Youth Dialogue is coordinated by the Portuguese National Youth Council (CNJ) in collaboration with the Portuguese Institute of Sport and Youth (IPDJ). CNJ plays a crucial role in organising national consultations, engaging with youth organisations, and facilitating dialogue between young people and policymakers.

8^th Cycle of the EU Youth Dialogue (2020-2021)

During the 8^th Cycle of the EU Youth Dialogue, which ran from 1 July 2020 to 31 December 2021, Portugal was part of the Trio of Presidencies along with Germany and Slovenia. The theme for this cycle was "Youth Goal #9: Space and Participation for All," under the motto "Europe for YOUth – YOUth for Europe: Space for Democracy and Participation".

Portugal hosted the second EU Youth Conference of the 8^th Cycle from 12 to 15 March 2021, in Vila Nova de Gaia. This hybrid event brought together young people, youth organisations, and policymakers to discuss and develop strategies to enhance youth participation in democratic processes. The conference focused on creating inclusive spaces for youth participation and ensuring equal access for young people from all backgrounds.

10^th Cycle of the EU Youth Dialogue (2023-2024)

The 10^th Cycle of the EU Youth Dialogue began on 1 July 1 2023 and ended on 31 December 2024, under the Trio of Presidencies of Spain, Belgium, and Hungary. This cycle focused on "Inclusive Societies", aiming to promote social inclusion and ensure that all young people have equal opportunities to participate in society. Portuguese youth delegates participated actively in the EU Youth Conferences held in Spain, Belgium, and Hungary, contributing to discussions and the development of strategies to enhance social inclusion among youth (Youth.ie).

Impact and Future Directions

Portugal's active participation in the EU Youth Dialogue has contributed to the development of youth policies that reflect the views and needs of young people. The outcomes of the dialogues and conferences have been integrated into national and European youth strategies, ensuring that youth voices are considered in policy-making processes.

Conference of Ministers of Youth and Sports of the CPLP – CPLP Sports Games and Biennial of Young Creators of the CPLP

The Conference of Ministers of Youth and Sports of the CPLP was held in Portugal from 12 to 15 November 2024. This event included the XV Conference of Ministers of Youth and Sports, the X Biennial of Young Creators of the CPLP, and the II CPLP Youth Parliament. Hosted by the Portuguese Institute of Sport and Youth (IPDJ) in Cascais, the conference aimed to foster cooperation, consultation, and the implementation of joint actions in the fields of youth and sports among Portuguese-speaking countries. The II CPLP Youth Parliament, held from 13 to 15 November 2024, focused on the theme "Youth and Sustainability" and provided a platform for young delegates to discuss and present recommendations on various issues to the Ministers of Youth and Sports.