The Barents Regional Youth Programme 2007-2010

Background

At its meeting on September 5th 2001, the Barents Regional Council decided to draw up a youth programme for the Barents Region. The Barents Regional Council adopted the Barents Regional Youth Programme 2003-2006 in 2002. In November 2007a new programme for the period 2007-2010 was adopted.

Aims and perspectives

It is an overall aim of the programme to make the Barents Region more attractive for young people so that they stay in the region or return after completing their education. The Programme offers young people opportunities for mobility and active participation in the Barents cooperation and the development of the Barents Region. It aims to contribute to the achievement of increased cross border youth cooperation within all areas in addition to development of skills and competencies, which promote active citizenship.

The programme has the following objectives

•  To increase youth participation in the Barents Regional cooperation’s networks by giving young people increased influence and possibilities for cross border activities.
• To facilitate the integration of young people into society at large and encouraging their spirit of initiative.
• To strengthen young people’s sense of identity as members of the Barents Region by establishing contact across cultural and geographical borders
• To encourage young people to play an active role in strengthening civil society in the Barents Region
• To encourage young people to give free expression to their sense of solidarity in The Barents Region and the wider world, as well as supporting the fight against racism and xenophobia.
• To strengthen the position and rights for indigenous youth and minorities trough increased multilateral and multicultural cooperation

Focus areas

• Culture and sport Including Tolerance and anti racism
• Competence and Entrepreneurship
• Environmental issues
• Social and health related issues
• Community development Including promotion of active citizenship