Establishing young ambassadors network for open governance (AMMTR0002)

Commitment ID

AMMTR0002

Commitment Title

Establishing young ambassadors network for open governance

Problem

The problem faced by young people are particularly pronounced in the regions of Armenia, where there is a significant disparity between the information and opportunities available to youth living in the regions and those in the capital. Young people in the regions have significantly fewer opportunities in terms of education, finding employment, leisure activities, self-expression, and participation in various programs. The worst consequence of having discouraged and passive youth in the community is their decision to leave, migrating to larger cities or abroad, which becomes a serious obstacle to the development of local settlements. The young ambassadors program is an opportunity that will create connections between young people from different settlements of the community, the municipality, and active community organizations, encouraging their participation in community life and development. The primary goal of this commitment is to promote youth participation in local self-governance through capacity building, leadership skills development, and civic engagement.

Status quo

After the consolidation of communities, settlements in Metsamor community, became more administratively linked but remain physically disconnected. Despite being a few kilometers apart, the current infrastructure and limited transportation create barriers to mobility, restricting access to services, economic opportunities, and civic participation. This disconnection makes it especially difficult for youth and marginalized groups to engage in regional decision-making and governance, highlighting the need for improved infrastructure and inclusive policies.

At the same time, youth in Metsamor are very active in community initiatives but lack formal mechanisms to influence decision-making. Without legal representation in local governance, their voices remain unheard in policy discussions, limiting their role in shaping the future of the community.

Action

The commitment aims to establish a Young Ambassadors Network with representatives from 30 rural settlements and Metsamor to empower youth in local governance. Young ambassadors will engage in municipal activities, policy development, and advocacy for transparency and active citizenship. The municipality will provide leadership training to support their participation.Additionally, a municipal advisory body for women and youth will be created, ensuring youth involvement in decision-making. A local youth policy will be developed through a participatory process to integrate youth perspectives into governance.Expected results: Increased youth participation, empowered young leaders, enhanced transparency, institutionalized youth engagement, and a collaborative youth policy aligned with community needs.

• Increased youth participation in local governance and community development initiatives.
• Empowerment of young leaders, particularly in rural areas and Metsamor.
• Improved transparency, inclusivity, and youth representation in local decision-making processes.
• Institutionalized youth engagement through the advisory body.
• A collaborative and structured approach to youth policy development, ensuring alignment with community needs.

How will the commitment contribute to solving the public problem described above?

By establishing the young ambassadors network, the commitment will empower youth to engage in local governance, leadership, and policy-making, ensuring their voices are heard in decision-making processes. Through capacity-building, leadership training, and advocacy for open governance principles, young people will gain the skills and knowledge needed to actively participate in their communities rather than seeking opportunities elsewhere. Additionally, the creation of a municipal advisory body for women and youth will institutionalize youth representation, while the development of a local youth policy will ensure that policies are inclusive and reflective of their needs. This initiative will strengthen youth engagement, enhance transparency and accountability, and contribute to the long-term development and sustainability of local communities by reducing migration and fostering local opportunities.

What long-term goal as identified in your Open Government Strategy does this commitment relate to?

This commitment aligns with the long-term goal of enhancing civic engagement and participation in governance. Specifically, it contributes to the vision of fostering a more inclusive, transparent, and accountable government by empowering young people to actively participate in local decision-making processes.

By building the capacity of youth to engage with local governance and promoting the open government principles, this initiative strengthens democratic values and supports the development of a government that is responsive to the needs of all citizens, particularly young people, and ensures that their voices are heard in shaping the future of their communities

Primary Policy Area

Inclusion, Social Accountability

Primary Sector

Cross-sectoral, Education

What OGP value is this commitment relevant to?