“Dare to trust the knowledge and opinions of young people”

What does it take to get more of Norrbotten's young people to want to build their future here? And how can we promote young people's participation in social development? This week, Region Norrbotten has stepped up its work on these issues. From now on, we have an employed youth consultant – Isa Ponturo. Isa is not only the first in Norrbotten – she is a pioneer in all of Sweden.

No other region in Sweden has, or has had, a youth consultant.

– It feels special at the same time as it will be a real challenge to be the first. It is good of the Norrbotten Region to dare to make this effort to get young people's perspectives on the development that is happening in the north. We want our young people to stay and for others to move here and enjoy themselves, says Isa Ponturo, educated at Luleå University of Technology and with several years of experience working with young people.

The goal is to put young people in focus in local community development and pave the way for increased influence. The youth consultant will create meeting places where young people have the opportunity to influence in a meaningful way.

“Young people have wise thoughts”

– My job will be to be the bridge between the young people and the Norrbotten Region. Those who are young now want to live here in twenty years and be adults here, so it is important that they are allowed to influence and express what they want and need. Young people have wise thoughts. We must dare to trust their knowledge and opinions.

An important task will be to involve young people in the process of developing the new regional development strategy (RUS).

Isa Ponturo has previously worked in sports, with issues such as young leadership, gender equality and young people in vulnerable areas. An experience that will come in handy when we build socially sustainable communities in Norrbotten.

– The sports movement has a tradition of being inclusive, it is in its DNA. It is a movement created by the people, for the people. It contributes to good public health, creates meaningful leisure time, provides jobs, non-profit commitment and faith in the future. It is so important that you reach all groups in society, so that everyone feels included regardless of their circumstances. Sports are ahead of many other movements in that area, says Isa Ponturo.

With our new youth consultant, Region Norrbotten is part of the Youth Up North project. Youth consultants have been running in municipalities in Norrbotten and Västerbotten for a few years.

What attracted you to this job?

– My interest in society, my interest in young people, to use my education and my experience of working with children and young people. It's a fun venture. Norrbotten is going to be the hottest region in Sweden, and we're on the right track. I'm looking forward to being on that journey.
– It feels fantastic, there is such good energy here, you are immediately filled with motivation!

Text and image: Sara Stylbäck Vesa