Youth Forum “In Our Own Environment”

On Tuesday, 30 November, from 10:00 to 16:00, the Youth Forum “In Our Own Environment” will take place at the Kauguri Culture House. Valmiera Municipality invites local registered young people aged 13 to 25 to take part, meet their peers in an informal setting, gain inspiration to get involved, and openly discuss issues related to the municipality’s development with representatives of the local government.

The timing and purpose of the forum are no coincidence, as November is a month of patriotism. At the event, using non-formal education methods, we will strengthen young people’s sense of belonging and develop the skills needed to actively contribute to the growth of their parish, town, and the entire municipality.

Throughout the day, participants can look forward to a diverse and full programme. In the first part of the event, inspirational talks will be held, where young people will share stories from their own experience about how not to be afraid to act, find their passion, and shape their own environment. This will be followed by a panel discussion with representatives of Valmiera Municipality’s leadership. It will be a direct and open conversation with local decision-makers, giving young people the opportunity to ask questions that matter to them, express their views, and propose concrete changes in the municipality.

In the final part of the forum, young people will have the opportunity to take part in interactive and thematic workshops together with industry experts, systematically exploring all the forum topics - self-development, cooperation and turning ideas into real projects, the job market, entrepreneurship and leadership, as well as movement, mental balance, health, and building healthy relationships.

To make sure participants have enough energy throughout the day, snacks and lunch will also be provided. Participation in the forum is free of charge, but as the number of places is limited, interested participants are encouraged to complete the application form in advance.

The event is being implemented within the framework of the Valmiera Municipality project “Youth Forum ‘In Our Own Environment’” (No. 26-09-CL07-C0LA19.2203-000005). The project is supported and co-financed by the European Union, the Rural Support Service, the association “Ziemeļgauja,” and the National Development Plan 2027.