The project had the following objectives: O1: Political participation and dialogue with decision-makers towards the improvement of democracy, rule of law and values of youths. O2: Empowering young people and increasing their employability. O3: Strengthening awareness of decision making and policies in youths and instilling in them the importance of evidence based policy-making. O4: Providing a platform for youths with an interest in communication, active citizenship and policy making. O5: Promoting a culture of democratic debates and enhancing rhetorical skills in youths. By achieving these objectives, the project aimed to empower youths to become: a. Active citizens: The project equipped young people with the skills and confidence to engage with decision-makers, fostering a culture of democratic debate. b.Potential future policymakers and scientists: The project exposed participants to STEM professionals and policy makers, making these careers more relatable and potentially inspiring future generations to pursue careers in these critical fields. c. Informed and engaged voters: The project increased awareness of democratic processes and policymaking, empowering participants to become active and informed voters.
Declining trust in European democratic institutions and disengagement of young people from policymaking processes pose a threat to the future of a healthy democracy. Recognising this critical need, the Wired Youth: Science Forum project offered an opportunity to bridge this gap. By directly connecting young people with scientists and policymakers, the project addressed several needs: -Empowering youth: By equipping participants with the tools for effective debate and presentation of policy recommendations, the project empowered them to make their voices heard and contribute to rebuilding trust in democratic institutions. -Strengthening democracy: The project fostered active citizenship by facilitating direct engagement with scientists and policymakers. This interaction provided participants with a deeper understanding of the importance of evidence-based policymaking and the role of citizen participation in a healthy democracy. -Enhancing employability: The project fostered a connection between young people, STEM professionals and policy makers. This exposure has the potential to inspire future generations to pursue careers in science and policy.