Eagerness for uncomfortable truths during European interaction?
Leipzig is set to stage such a discussion and education platform for the fourth time. "We want to encourage young people to participate in social developments, become involved and examine uncomfortable truths and questions because they affect their future," said Berit Lahm. In addition to the Conference Coordinator, i.e. the retired Cultural Mayor Dr. Georg Girardet, she pulls the strings as the organiser in the Centre for Political Education of the city of Leipzig.
"We are not only thinking along national lines here, but will also make use of European interaction," said Lahm. A delegation from The Hague has promised to attend the Conference and there will also be guests from Singapore, the Czech Republic, Poland and Bulgaria. A total of around 60 young people from all over Europe will attend the Conference.
Further increase in the number of participants from Leipzig
At present, concerted efforts are being made to increase the number of participants from Leipzig. "In particular, we are actively approaching high schools although grammar schools, vocational schools or leisure organisations are also being asked, of course," said Lahm. She and her team want to have on board a total of ten schools beforehand which will then also be equipped with suitable foundations.
Main topics
The Network for Democracy and Courage (NDC) will hold project days during the run-up to the Democracy Conference. The so-called "teamers" of roughly the same age will visit the schools to impart basic knowledge of the individual topic areas, as well as clear timetables and work orders for the Conference. This will primarily involve the following main topics:
"How do we want to live – our changing society"
"Permanent crises – democracy as a building site"
"The power of the digital world"
"Politics – and how does it affect me?"
"How organic am I really?"
"Hope for a better life – migration and asylum"
Independently finding a way from an idea to a solution
This preparatory process is extremely important so that the Conference becomes obligatory. However, the young people can then look forward to entirely open discussion formats with experts from politics and society. "Our objective is to initiate thought processes – always with the emphasis on "What can I do personally to bring about change", said Lahm. The young people would then have to find their own way from an idea to a solution. If projects are created, they can be monitored, supported and also financed. However, motivation coupled with self-responsible action must come from the young people themselves.
Registration for the 4th International Democracy Conference
Young people between the age of 14 and 22 can take part in the Democracy Conference. With effect from 15 June 2015, they can register for the Conference under: www.demokratiekonferenz-leipzig.de.
The 4th International Democracy Conference with around 400 participants will be held at Haus Leipzig, Elsterstraße 22, on25 and 26 September 2015. Politicians from all committees, teachers, parents and Leipzig residents are cordially invited to attend.
The Conference has been staged every two years since the 20th anniversary of the Peaceful Revolution and pursues the main idea "We are democracy! Adolescents and politicians in dialogue." The patron of the Conference is Professor Dr. Norbert Lammert, President of the German Parliament.