Youth Participation: Shaping Society, Shaping Futures

Youth participation is about empowering young people to actively engage in shaping their lives and the communities around them. It takes various forms, including civic engagement, volunteering, advocacy, and decision-making processes. These opportunities allow young people to build essential skills, enhance their confidence, and contribute to society in meaningful ways.

Encouraging youth participation is vital for several reasons:

• It nurtures leadership and critical thinking skills among young people.
• It strengthens community cohesion by giving young people a sense of belonging and purpose.
• It promotes inclusive decision-making, ensuring that diverse voices are heard and valued.

The National Youth Policy Towards 2030 places participation at the heart of its vision, recognising young people as agents of change in their own development and society’s progress. It emphasises the importance of involving youth in consultation and decision-making processes, enabling them to contribute to a more cohesive and open society. By fostering participation, the policy acknowledges the immense value young people bring to societal transformation.

How Agenzija Zghazagh Promotes Youth Participation

Agenzija Zghazagh actively works to create opportunities that help young people become active participants in their communities and beyond. Civic education programmes in schools play a central role, with initiatives such as I.S.S.A., It’s My Choice, and the Student Council Democracy Award Programme. These seminars explore the principles of democracy, active citizenship, and effective decision-making, helping young people understand their roles and responsibilities within society.

Young people also benefit from platforms that build their confidence and skills in institutional settings. Programmes such as Young Parliamentarians and the Model European Parliament encourage participants to develop public speaking, negotiation, and policy-making skills, fostering a deep appreciation for democratic processes and collaborative problem-solving.

Another way participation is promoted is through investment in civil society organisations. Agenzija Zghazagh supports youth-led or youth-focused groups by providing funding, training, and leadership opportunities. This approach equips organisations to empower more young people to engage in volunteering, grassroots activities, and community life. Such efforts ensure that young people not only participate but also play pivotal roles in their local environments.

Finally, the agency places significant importance on involving young people in consultation exercises. Through the EU Youth Dialogue Programme, which aligns with the 18-month EU Presidency cycles, young people are encouraged to share their views and contribute to shaping policies at both national and European levels. This structured dialogue fosters a culture of active citizenship while ensuring that young voices are integral to decision-making.

Building a Better Future Together

Youth participation is not just a goal—it is a cornerstone of a thriving and inclusive society. Agenzija Zghazagh remains dedicated to nurturing the next generation of leaders, ensuring that young people in Malta have the tools, platforms, and support they need to make their voices heard.

By creating spaces for meaningful engagement, we invest in a future where young people’s energy, ideas, and talents shape a better Malta and Europe. Together, we can foster a culture of active citizenship that celebrates the contributions of young people in building cohesive and dynamic communities.