Intergenerational Dialogue in Political Environment: challenges and opportunities

Intergenerational Dialogue in Political Environment: Challenges and Opportunities

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In a healthy democracy, active participation and representation of both young and old generations in political processes are an absolute necessity. We need to continue developing cooperation mechanisms and formulating policies that could strengthen solidarity between generations and enhance democracy resilience. 

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Democracy must be people centered, and bring benefits to everyone. There is no true democracy without inclusiveness.  And if we speak of underrepresentation of the entire generation, democratic risk becoming seriously hampered. And although certain progress has been achieved with youth participation in institutional and decision-making practices in recent years, political interaction and cooperation between younger and older generations have not always been carried out in a meaningful and productive manner. 

On the 29th of April we celebrate the European Day of Solidarity Between Generations – and this Thursday, in order to mark the occasion we will invite two speakers, representatives of different age groups within different European Christian democratic parties, to talk the meaning and importance of intergenerational dialogue, compare the related views and experiences, reflect on and share their respective groups’ aspirations, mindset, ideas and challenges, help us to better understand the needs and expectations of seniors and younger party members, and outline roadmaps for deepening of mutual understanding and integrating intergenerational dialogue within the EU policies that would help develop  inclusive transformative strategies and perspectives for the benefit of all citizens. 

Join us on Thursday, April 28, 2022 at 17.00 CET in our virtual space on Zoom 

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Our guests:

Monique Vogelaar is a professional interpreter and worked for the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs for many years.  She has been and still is an active member of the Christian Democratic party CDA in The Netherlands. She was also a counsellor and CDA chair in Rotterdam, as well as member of the Board of the women’s wing of the party. Currently, she is the Chair international affairs with the CDA seniors.  Monique knows what it means to advocate within a political party on the rights of women and seniors, and to make their voices heard. From 2003-2020, she travelled as trainer  throughout Europe and the Middle East with the Eduardo Frei Foundation.

Sabine Hanger is serving as the General Secretary of Junge ÖVP, and is also a law student at the University of Vienna.  Before this appointment she had been fulfilling the position of the Chairwoman of the Student Union in Austria. In her current role she focuses on issues related to intergenerational justice. 

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Should you wish to take part in the upcoming discussion please fill in the registration form. 

The REGISTRATION DEADLINE is 28 April, 2022 (Thursday), 12:00PM

Zoom meeting code will be sent to the confirmed participants 3 hours before the start of the meeting. 

In case of questions, please do not hesitate to contact the responsible project manager Evgenia Jarabik at evgenia.jarabik@schuman-institute.eu. 

Looking forward to see you all in our chat room!

Evgenia Jarabik