Wiesbaden, 6. November 2024 Giving young people in Hesse a voice: That’s what HOP! State Youth Congress 2024 has become a reality in the Hessian state parliament. 120 young people between the ages of 14 and 25 from all over Hesse discussed their political ideas in the state parliament from November 4th to 6th, 2024, which they also discussed with members of the state parliament as part of the three-day conference. In this discussion process, the young people formulated political demands and positions, which they submitted to parliament. The format last took place in 2022.
Statements on the HOP! State Youth Congress
President of the state parliament Astrid Wallmann (CDU) opened the congress and accepted the demands at its conclusion. She said: “It was certainly a unique experience for the participants to discuss their issues and concerns, negotiate compromises and keep different interests in mind in this special place – the heart chamber of Hessian democracy. These are central elements of our democracy. In this regard, the HOP! “Youth Congress made an important contribution.”
Youth Minister Heike Hofmann (SPD) supported the congress. She said: “The participation of young people in politics and society is of particular concern to us and has occupied a central place in children and youth policy in Hesse for many years. It is our job to support and support children and young people on this path, because participation is the basis of democracy and is what makes it possible to experience it. In order to create further opportunities for participation, we are also increasingly committed to participation at the local level, for example with the advice center that was set up specifically for this purpose at the Hessian Youth Ring last year. Last but not least, a few weeks ago the state parliament decided to set up a study commission that explicitly deals with the participation of children and young people in Hesse and that will give further important impetus to state politics.
Andreas Kaufmanndeputy chairman of the Hessian Youth Ring, said at the end of the event: “Today it became clear once again: Young people need a voice more than ever and must be able to have a say. They want to be heard, take control of their lives, develop options for themselves and help shape their future. Youth participation is a must, especially in times of numerous crises and demographic change, and we need concrete ideas to improve the living conditions of young people. Many of these ideas were handed over to state politicians today with the desire to find a timely and concrete implementation.”
