From 9^th to 14^th of October 2011 the European Youth Parliament in Germany will host its 1^st International Forum in Leipzig. Over 80 young people will be invited to spend six days in Leipzig to talk about European issues, especially with a focus on youth and democracy. Remembering the peaceful revolution at the 9^th of October 1989, Leipzig will be the place to live democracy and exchange opinions this year. The General Assembly will be held in the Alte Handelsbörse, one of the oldest places of assembly in the city. There, the young people will debate their resolutions according to the rules of the European Parliament and will practise discussing other opinions. The session will be followed by the 2^nd International Conference on democracy organized by the city of Leipzig where all our participants will have the chance to discuss the topic with various politicians and experts.

Due to the events on the 9^th of October 1989, Leipzig has a special political responsibility and strong ties to this topic. The peaceful revolution had a great impact on the process of Germany becoming reunited.

Referring to statistics of Shell’s 16^th study on youth ,,Jugend in Sachsen’’,  young people are more and more disinterested in institutionalized politics, but at the same time very much involved into voluntary social work. This is not just a German problem, but exists all over Europe. Within the session we want delegates to talk about the current situation and problems concerning democracy in today’s world. What is democracy and how should it look like? Are there alternatives and what are future perspectives? We want young people to find new ways of participation. We give them a platform to exchange their ideas and visions. We want to show them the importance of participating in political issues, of thinking about ongoing affairs and raising their voice to shape the future.

For further information about the session please contact Franziska Hülß, head organizer of the session.