Young people were allowed into the region's democracy room: "We have started something big"

What will Norrbotten look like in 2040? During the democracy forum Future Lab, young people from all over the county were able to step into the rooms where decisions are made. With experiences, dreams for the future and demands for action, they took part in important conversations with Region Norrbotten's decision-makers. - It really felt like we were heard, says Minja Pettersson Naula.

The Future Lab democracy forum brought together 37 young people aged 15–25 from all over Norrbotten to explore how young people's influence in regional democracy can be strengthened. After a morning where they met officials who work with, among other things, skills provision and culture, it was time to start working with the region's politicians.

But first they were welcomed by the chairwoman of the regional council, Elisabeth Lindberg (S), who emphasized the importance of seeing democracy as something living.

– It is not possible to say "now we have democracy", but democracy is a perishable commodity that must be built every day, she said.

Right to influence

Prior to the workshop, the young people participated in the Empowerment exercise, led by Emma Hellgren from Youth 2030 Movement and Isa Camara Ponturo, youth consultant in Region Norrbotten. The focus was on young people's right to influence and on highlighting the structures that often limit their ability to be heard.

– When young people do not feel that their voices are heard, it affects confidence in democracy, said Emma Hellgren.

Emma Hellgren from Youth 2030 Movement held the Empowerment exercise, but also documented the workshop that followed. Photo: Petra Älvstrand.

Isa Camara Ponturo showed how the order of seniority characterizes the political decision-making space.

– Today, it is mainly people aged 50–70 who make the decisions, which does not reflect society at large.

Want to contribute

During the conversations, participants shared experiences of not being taken seriously because of their age – at school, in meetings with authorities and in the public debate. At the same time, they highlighted their competence and willingness to contribute, and discussed how norms can be challenged through organizing, dialogue and by taking a place where decisions are made.

The challenges that the groups worked on came from the Norrbotten Strategy 2040. Here Klara Sundsten, Arjeplog, delves into the strategy. On the left is Regional Councilor Linda Jonsson (V). Photo: Petra Älvstrand.

With the common knowledge base, Future Lab took the next step – from experiences to visions of the future. During the workshop, young participants and regional politicians met to explore what Norrbotten could look like in 2040. The dream images were about an open and confident county that takes advantage of its diversity, offers good service and gives people real opportunities to live and develop – regardless of where in the county they live. A vibrant cultural life and stronger cooperation between municipalities and cities were highlighted as crucial.

– There is so much potential if we just collaborate more.

As the discussions deepened, common obstacles also resurfaced. Economic resources were identified as crucial for housing, public transport and services. The lack of meeting places for young people who do not fit into traditional leisure activities was highlighted, as were norms and prejudices between generations.

– We speak different languages ​​and don't always reach each other.

Future Lab offered meetings between generations. Here, Doris Messner, Norrbotten's Healthcare Party, and Emilia Hansson. Photo: Petra Älvstrand.

“Talk less and do more”

At the same time, the message was clear: talking is not enough.

– Talk less and do more, summed up a voice in the room, with a call that the future of Norrbotten requires trust, inclusion and sustained commitment.

What was discussed around the tables also left a clear mark on the participants. Arshmaan Tahir from Haparanda left Future Lab with a new view of the future.

– I didn't think there was any future for Norrbotten, but when I see all the young people and adults working for a brighter future, I become much more optimistic.

For him, the commitment in the room was crucial:

– The highlight has been seeing how committed and hopeful everyone is, even in dark times.

Minja Pettersson Naula, Luleå, described Future Lab as an overall positive experience. Photo: Petra Älvstrand.

For Minja Pettersson Naula from Luleå, the experience was above all about being listened to.

– I have felt very included. Here I have been able to speak to the point and have conversations where you can have different opinions without people getting angry.

She describes the workshop as both educational and concrete.

– It feels like this is leading somewhere. Hearing that the suggestions we raised are already being implemented really made us feel like we were being heard.

One example was the idea of ​​free public transport for young people during the summer.

– I've been nagging about this for a long time, so hearing that politicians are already working on it meant a lot to me.

Wehazit Yemane, Boden, and Ronja Johansson, Luleå, are two young people with strong social commitment. They took the opportunity to be part of the very first future lab. Photo: Petra Älvstrand.

“Listen to young people’s wishes”

Several of the insights from the day also landed directly with the region's political leadership. After the workshop, Elisabeth Lindberg described Future Lab as the starting point for a new way of working.

– It feels like we have started something big. We are finally trying to find ways to listen to young people's wishes and include them in our planning for Norrbotten's development.

She highlighted both the commitment and seriousness of the conversations, but also the concerns many young people carry.

– Many young people carry a concern about the world situation. When you are 14–16 years old and have to make important choices and at the same time see an uncertain world, it has an impact.

The political responsibility going forward is clear, she says.

– It's easy to say that you've listened. The difficult thing is to ensure that young people's opinions actually play a role in the political process.

Workshop in progress. From left: Thor Vinblad von Walter, Boden, Elisabeth Lindberg (S), Julia Nordekvist, Boden and Veronica Pedersen (S). Photo: Petra Älvstrand.

“Filled with new inspiration”

For Isa Ponturo, Future Lab was both the result of several years of work and a new starting point.

– It feels fantastic. I'm filled with new inspiration for a whole year ahead and I just want to get to work and make this even better.

She particularly points to the meeting between young people from all over the county.

– There has been a community where young people have been able to step into new spaces, meet new people and dare to open up about their everyday lives and their opinions. We have seen young people flourish and speak out about what they want Norrbotten to look like in the future.

Now the next step awaits – to take advantage of the commitment.

– We will collect everything, process it and write a report. It is about how we take forward the ideas from the workshop and how the region can make it even easier for young people to have real influence in politics.

Text: Sara Stylbäck Vesa