SDLP Foyleside Councillor Mary Durkan
In welcoming plans for setting up a Northern Ireland Youth Assembly, Mary Durkan, Councillor for Foyleside, is encouraging participation to ensure that Derry and Strabane will be well represented on the forum.
Said Miss Durkan: “It’s great to see this initiative finally getting off the ground.
“The new Youth Assembly will give our young people opportunities already enjoyed by their counterparts in other regions.
“I would encourage young people aged 13 to 17 years from across the North, youth groups, schools and others to get involved in shaping the Assembly at this initial stage.
“The experiences, fresh ideas and input of children and young people will improve the quality of decision-making and policy-making.
“Indeed, children’s rights pursuant to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child demand that their views are respected.
“Participation will also bring great personal opportunities.
“Young activists will have chances to make new friends from different backgrounds, develop skills with training provided and build their confidence.”
Miss Durkan added: “Our young people of course are our future leaders, but we have already seen leadership from this generation on a range of issues.
“The Climate Strike movement is a perfect example of young leaders stepping up to the mark, educating and inspiring their elders.
“These young people show passion, enthusiasm, courage and care for the world around us.
“This generation of young people are growing up in exceptional times of change and challenge.
“They are living through the greatest global health crisis in living memory and on the verge of entering a deep recession.
“This is the generation that will be most affected by all the uncertainties around Brexit.
“Their voices need to be listened to sooner rather than later.
“This Youth Assembly will allow those who do not have the right to vote to otherwise engage in the democratic process.
“This is not just about the engagement of younger people. It’s about their empowerment too.”
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