Dear residents of Wiesbaden,

Dear young parliamentarians,

The City of Wiesbaden established its first Youth Parliament in 2009. Since then, 31 elected youth parliamentarians have been meeting regularly at City Hall.

The Youth Parliament represents an important age group in our city, and it is essential that their voices are heard. The Youth Parliament is a diverse group that reflects the diversity of our youth. From the very beginning, the members of the council have provided important input and participated in local political decisions affecting young people. In doing so, the young representatives have learned firsthand how political processes work at the local level and how the interests of Wiesbaden’s youth can be articulated.

Alongside the district youth representatives, the “Youth in City Hall” project, and the “Youth Conference,” the Youth Parliament is a key component in increasing youth participation in the city’s political life. It represents the interests of Wiesbaden’s youth before the City Council and its committees, the City Administration, and the local advisory boards. Committees of this kind offer young people an important opportunity to become familiar with and understand political processes at an early age. Youth parliaments also provide a good opportunity to practice public speaking, presenting arguments, and participating in discussions. Fundamentally, youth parliaments and youth councils are intended to ensure that the interests of children and young people are incorporated into local politics not just occasionally, but on a regular basis. After all, this specifically concerns the shaping of living spaces and the creation of recreational opportunities for young people.

On Tuesday, April 21, the newly elected Youth Parliament will convene at City Hall. I am already looking forward to this first session. I congratulate all those elected and wish the Youth Parliament every success in helping to shape our city.

Sincerely

Gert-Uwe Mende
Lord Mayor