Young people will be able to contribute their ideas directly to committees in the future
The Darmstadt Youth Assembly held its third general meeting at the HoffArt Theater at the end of May. The focus was on the work of the specialist committees of the city council and the opportunities for young people to participate in local politics.
City council chairman Yücel Akdeniz presented the tasks and working methods of the various committees to the young people and encouraged them to actively participate. Members of the youth council will regularly attend meetings of the social affairs, environment, school, and mobility committees. The youth council is already represented in the youth welfare committee as an advisory member, as stipulated in the bylaws.
Working groups on health, mobility and visibility
Since the Youth Parliament was established in November 2025, young people have been working in various groups on their own topics and projects. Key areas of focus include the mental health of young people and raising the public profile of the Youth Parliament.
During the third plenary assembly, a new working group on mobility was also established. Furthermore, members of the youth plenary have already participated in city events such as the child poverty conference and have contributed to the steering group for children and youth participation.
“Even now, young people receive high recognition for their commitment and special attention to their suggestions and objections,” explains Mayor Barbara Akdeniz. “Gaining direct and unfiltered insights into the perceptions and perspectives of young people is a great asset to our work.”
Own projects and events planned
The youth council is currently working on its own logo and on events designed to increase the council's visibility. Planned events include a flea market for young people, a movie night, and a charity run.
Aaron Becker, chairman of the Darmstadt Youth Council, praises the commitment of the young members: "They pursue their own ideas and projects very creatively in the working groups, but also show great interest in participating in the city committees."
Next general meeting after the summer holidays
The fourth general assembly of the youth council is planned for after the summer holidays. The meetings will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the HoffArt Theater and are open to the public.
The work of the youth plenary is supported by the Coordination Office for Children and Youth Participation of the Darmstadt Youth Council and the Youth Education Center of the City of Darmstadt.
(DARMSTADT – PSD/RED/stip)
