Norrbotten Region enters into projects for young people's influence and participation
What is needed to get more of Norrbotten's young people to want to build their future here? And how can we work for young people's participation in social development? Now Region Norrbotten is joining the Youth Up North project and hiring a youth consultant to work on these issues.
The Youth Up North project has been running for a few years with youth consultants in three municipalities in Norrbotten and Västerbotten. It will now continue in 2024-2026 with youth consultants in five of the county's municipalities and in Region Norrbotten. The project aims to improve the living conditions of young people by putting young people in focus in local social development and paving the way for increased influence.
“Building society with them”
It was last week that the regional development committee decided that Region Norrbotten should participate in the project. The initiative is financed with a maximum of SEK 2 over three years, from its own regional funds. Through this initiative, Region Norrbotten strives to create open and engaged meeting places where young people are given the opportunity to influence and shape societal development in a meaningful way.
- We want our young people to want to build a future here and also for Norrbotten to be an attractive place for young people to move to. It is not possible to create the Norrbotten of the future without listening to their needs and wishes. We want to build society together with them, and we believe that this project is an important step on the way, says Helena Ölund, chairwoman of the regional development committee.
Raising young people's perspectives
The youth consultant employed by Region Norrbotten is intended to be a bridge between the consultants in the municipalities and the region. An important task will be to involve young people in the process of developing the new regional development strategy (RUS)Another is to specifically highlight the perspectives of children and young people internally.
- We look forward to participating in the project and to welcoming a new colleague soon. It will be exciting to hear the young people's ideas and visions for Norrbotten's development, says Janus Brandin, Regional Development Director at Region Norrbotten.
First in the country
The decision is a milestone in the work with regional development throughout Sweden. No other Swedish region has previously established a youth consultant position.
- With this initiative, Region Norrbotten shows the importance of creating conditions for young people to be involved and have influence over regional issues. The influence of young people is absolutely crucial for the transition that is taking place in Norrbotten to not only be something we talk about but also something we do and co-create together. It is fantastic that Region Norrbotten is involved and shows the way forward for the regional development of all of Sweden!, says Oliwer Karlsson, program manager Youth 2030 Movement.