Setting the Agenda: International Community NGO Unveils Its First Official Position Paper to Shape EU Youth Policy
A new and exciting chapter is unfolding for the International Community NGO. After months of dedicated preparation, detailed planning, and strategic development, we are thrilled to unveil our guiding document for advocacy and policy analysis at the European Parliament: our first official position paper. This landmark publication represents our commitment to amplifying youth voices and shaping impactful policies at the heart of European decision-making.
The position paper by the International Community NGO, “Internationale Politik für Junge Profis,” articulates its mission to amplify youth voices in European policy, climate action, and human rights. Since its founding in Dnipro, Ukraine, in 2021 and subsequent relocation to Vienna, IC has become an influential platform connecting young professionals across Europe with opportunities to engage in policy and diplomacy. Central to its mission is the defence of democratic values, human rights, and sustainable development, which IC aims to integrate within the European policy landscape.
IC’s inclusion in the EU Transparency Register marks a significant step, legitimizing its role as a youth-led group of interest within the European Parliament. The organization advocates for structured youth engagement in decision-making, including the creation of youth councils and advisory groups across European governance levels. Additionally, IC emphasizes the need for unified European electoral rules to bridge generational voting gaps and ensure fair youth participation. The NGO proposes initiatives that promote political literacy, underscore the importance of voting, and expand passive and active electoral rights for young people across Europe.
The organization’s stance on climate action prioritizes sustainable living practices through a blend of policy advocacy and youth-led initiatives. IC’s proposals include reducing plastic production, enhancing recycling, and incentivizing public transport to lower emissions. IC envisions young Europeans as key players in driving sustainable innovation, particularly in areas like waste reduction and green technologies, through increased funding for youth-led environmental projects. By integrating young people into policy discussions around energy security and environmental resource management, IC seeks to foster a generation of leaders equipped to address both local and global climate challenges.
On human rights, IC adopts a firm position, calling for policies that ensure inclusivity, equal representation, and protections for vulnerable groups, including refugees and minorities. IC condemns conflicts that violate human rights and disrupt social stability, especially in Ukraine and other conflict-prone regions. The paper outlines educational initiatives to promote tolerance and empathy, emphasizing that Europe’s response should set a global example in championing human rights. IC’s proposed measures include quotas for minority representation in governance, programs to combat discrimination, and a robust European role in advocating for human rights abroad.
Through these multi-faceted policies, the International Community NGO seeks to empower young Europeans to take an active role in shaping a more democratic, sustainable, and equitable Europe, positioning them as influential participants in the broader global landscape.
Author: Adriano Coco
