IRI Hosts Youth in Politics Conference

January 16, 2004

December 19, 2003 – IRI conducted a three-day conference entitled “Youth in Politics: Focusing on the Issues” in Baku. Youth branches from Azerbaijani political parties, alumni of international student exchange programs, and Azerbaijani youth NGOs attended the conference. US Ambassador to Azerbaijan Reno Harnish gave the keynote speech entitled “The Importance of Youth Activism in Democracy”.

For most of the three day conference, the participants met in small groups and were given the task of developing policies that address important issues in Azerbaijan (including education, health, economics, rule of law, media and youth issues). At the end of the forum, each group was given an opportunity to present their findings and policy proposals.

The forum aimed to generate interest and enthusiasm for youth to become involved in politics and the future of Azerbaijan. The meetings also provided a rare opportunity for participants to meet and forge new friendships with colleagues from other political parties. The ideas developed from this forum may be used by political parties in developing issue-based platforms for the 2005 municipal elections and 2006 parliamentary elections.

###

A nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing democracy worldwide