(Photo above: the Music Scool no. 10 from Kryvyi Rih)
Invitation to Dialogue on Democracy, Peace and Youth Participation
To the Parliamentary Parties of Norway and Ukraine, and the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine and the Ministry of Education and Research in Norway
Dear Members of Parliament and Government Representatives,
We are writing on behalf of the Youth Steering Group of the Erasmus+ project “Youth Music for Peace, Freedom and Democracy”, a cooperation between youth organisations and educational institutions in Norway and Ukraine.
Gymnasium no. 74 from Kryvyi Rih, students and administration, together with S2pU
Recently, we have studied the reflections presented by Norway’s Minister of Education and Research, Kari Nessa Nordtun, regarding the findings that many young people have significant knowledge gaps about democracy. We have also explored the educational materials provided by the Norwegian Parliament on democracy and civic participation.
These discussions have inspired us.
As young people from Norway and Ukraine, we believe that democracy is not only something to learn about in school—it is something that must be experienced, practised and protected. For Norwegian youth, democracy has been a natural part of everyday life. For many Ukrainian youth, democracy, freedom and peace have become values whose importance has been reinforced by war and the struggle to defend them.
Together, we are preparing a major youth initiative in Oslo in May 2027. One of its key elements will be the Youth Peace Conference, where young people will discuss democracy, freedom, peace, participation, transparency, human rights and the future of Europe.
As part of this work, we are also developing a youth-led report:
“Democracy Now and for the Future in Norway and Ukraine”
Our ambition is to engage young people from across Norway and Ukraine in a dialogue about how democracy can be strengthened for future generations. We believe that young people should not only be invited to participate in democracy—they should be given genuine opportunities to help shape it.
We would therefore like to invite representatives from all parliamentary parties and relevant government institutions to meet with us and hear more about our plans.
During such a meeting, we would like to present:
- The Erasmus+ project “Youth Music for Peace, Freedom and Democracy”
- The concept and objectives of the Youth Peace Conference 2027
- The proposed Youth Democracy Report
- Ideas for involving youth councils and youth representatives from municipalities and counties throughout Norway, and in Kryvyi Rih and Kyiv in Ukraine.
- Opportunities for dialogue between young people and elected representatives
Our project is built on cooperation, respect and democratic dialogue. We are not representing any political party. Instead, we seek to create a platform where young people can learn from each other, engage with decision-makers and contribute positively to democratic development.
We believe that the future of democracy depends on the engagement of today’s youth.
It was a historic and powerful meeting in Kyiv when Mariana Biloshapka, leader of the Youth Steering Group, Ukraina and Per-Kaare Holdal, S2pU met with Peace Prize winner Oleksandra Matviychuk. Now it is confirmed that she will be the keynote speaker at the Youth Peace Conference in Oslo in May next year.
We would be honoured to meet with you and discuss how we can work together to strengthen democratic awareness, participation and responsibility among young people.
We look forward to an open and constructive dialogue.
Sincerely,
Nikoline
Youth Project Leader, Norway
Mariana
Youth Project Leader, Ukraine
On behalf of the Youth Steering Group
Youth Music for Peace, Freedom and Democracy
Erasmus+ Youth Exchange Project
Support to the people of Ukraine
“Young voices united for peace, freedom and democracy.”
Email: post@s2pu.com
No responses yet