Young people between the ages of 15 and 20 are invited to apply for election to the 3rd convocation of the Youth Parliament. One hundred youths who have the most convincing ideas will gather at the Saeima at the end of April in order to jointly discuss issues of common interest. Participation and personal experience will give the youths clearer insight into the everyday work of the parliament and will help them to understand political processes in a parliamentary democracy.
“I would like to urge young people to take part in the elections of the Youth Parliament because every MP’s road to the Saeima begins with active participation, voicing their ideas and proving their abilities to like-minded persons, colleagues and opponents. Do not be afraid to express your thoughts and ideas, ask various questions because courage, zeal and a thirst for knowledge are characteristic of Latvian youths and will help you to reach your goals and succeed in your careers,” states Solvita Āboltiņa, Speaker of the Saeima.
Until 17 March, it is possible to apply for the project and to vote for ideas on the official website of the Youth Parliament www.jauniesusaeima.lv. Anyone who has a user profile on the social network Draugiem.lv can register for participation in the project and vote for the ideas proposed by the youths.
The 100 young people whose ideas receive the greatest support in the Internet voting will become members of the 3rd Youth Parliament. Ideas presented by the youths will be incorporated in draft declarations, and the young MPs will be able to submit proposals for their amendments; the final document will be debated on the day of the Youth Parliament. The young people will have a chance to learn to justify their ideas, to prove why they should be implemented and to seek compromises.
The main event of the project will be held on 26 April, when the 3rd Youth Parliament will convene at the main building of the Saeima.
On 26 April, members of the Youth Parliament will work in line committees. Committee meetings will be chaired by MPs who are chairpersons of the relevant line committees in the Saeima, and co-chairpersons will be selected from among the youths. The Youth Parliament will have its own Presidium, which will adopt the agenda for the plenary sitting. The plenary sitting will be chaired by Speaker Solvita Āboltiņa.
This will be the third convocation of the Youth Parliament. It is organised by the Saeima in cooperation with the Children’s Forum of Latvia. Publicity is provided by the social network Draugiem.lv, Latvian Television and Latvian Radio.
It is possible to follow the project on social networks such as Draugiem.lv, YouTube and Twitter - @jekaba11, @jauniesusaeima.
A video invitation to participate in the Youth Parliament is available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WxqQ1qzqXU&feature=youtu.be
An overview of the Youth Parliament held in 2012 is available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Ug7LeiGxmk
When using the material, please give credit to the Saeima Chancellery.
Saeima Press Service