Building Bridges Between Decision-Makers and Rural Youth 

The e-meetings with policy makers are a fundamental part of the RYTA project, designed to foster dialogue between rural youth and policymakers across the Mediterranean region. These meetings provide a structured space where young people can discuss key issues affecting their communities, propose solutions, and actively participate in decision-making processes at local, regional, and national levels. 

By connecting young people from Italy, Greece, Lebanon, Tunisia, and Jordan with policymakers, these e-meetings aim to create a collaborative environment for meaningful discussions on policy changes that directly impact rural development, employment, and civic participation. 

 

Objectives of the e-Meetings 

The e-meetings with policy makers were organized with the following key goals: 

  • Encourage youth engagement in policy discussions and governance structures. 

  • Create structured platforms for rural youth to voice their concerns to policymakers. 

  • Identify barriers to rural youth participation in policy and governance. 

  • Develop tangible policy recommendations based on youth input. 

  • Promote long-term collaboration between youth organizations and government representatives. 

 

Key Discussions & Outcomes from the e-Meetings 

1. Greece – Strengthening Youth Participation in Local Governance (July 31, 2024) 

The Greek e-meeting, hosted at Joist Innovation Park (Larissa), featured discussions with local government officials, including the Mayor of Larissa. The focus was on youth participation in decision-making, with an emphasis on: 

  • The Youth Municipal Council initiative, enabling young people to propose policies and collaborate with the municipality. 

  • Enhancing youth representation in civic processes. 

  • Supporting entrepreneurship and digital skills training to help youth stay engaged in their local communities. 

📺 Watch the full interview with the Mayor of Larissa on our YouTube channel: RYTA Project YouTube Channel 

2. Jordan – Economic Development & Rural Sustainability (October 9, 2024) 

The Jordanian e-meeting, led by NARC (National Center for Agricultural Research), explored ways to boost economic opportunities for rural youth. Key points included: 

  • Expanding job creation programs in agriculture and technology. 

  • Improving public infrastructure and transport in rural areas. 

  • Strengthening cooperation between local policymakers and youth organizations to address unemployment and migration. 

3. Italy – Challenges & Solutions for Youth Engagement (October 22, 2024) 

Hosted by ARCES in Palermo, the Italian e-meeting focused on youth councils and local governance challenges. Participants discussed: 

  • The lack of structured spaces for youth engagement. 

  • The need for more training and mentorship programs. 

  • The importance of creating digital and physical platforms where policymakers and youth can exchange ideas. 

  • A proposal to establish a network of youth councils across Sicily. 

4. Tunisia – Youth Involvement in Sustainable Development (October 28, 2024) 

Organized by BusinessMED, the Tunisian e-meeting highlighted: 

  • The role of municipalities in integrating youth perspectives into urban planning and sustainability projects. 

  • The importance of training youth for active civic participation. 

  • Ensuring long-term youth engagement beyond project lifespans. 

 

Policy Recommendations  

  •  Increase funding for youth-led rural development initiatives.  

  •  Enhance digital access and participation platforms for young people. 

  •  Develop national and regional youth councils for rural areas.  

  •  Provide training programs to support youth leadership and advocacy.  

  •  Strengthen collaboration between policymakers and youth organizations. 

  •  Improve transportation and infrastructure in rural areas to enhance youth mobility. 

These recommendations are aimed at ensuring that youth are not just passive participants but active contributors to rural policy and decision-making. 

 

Get Involved 

Young people interested in making a difference in their communities can access the RYTA e-learning course, which provides the necessary skills to engage with policymakers and advocate for rural youth issues. 

To learn more about the full description of the e-meetings and policy recommendations, visit: https://platform.rytaspace.eu/