Listening to Local Communities: Bringing Youth Voices Closer to Decision-Making in Cyprus
2026
Listening to Local Communities: Bringing Youth Voices Closer to Decision-Making in Cyprus
The Youth Board of Cyprus continues to strengthen its connection with local communities through a series of meetings with Youth Centres, Municipal and Community Youth Councils, local authorities, and other community stakeholders across Cyprus.
These visits provided valuable opportunities for direct dialogue with young people and those working closely with them at the local level. Participants shared their experiences, highlighted key challenges facing young people in their communities, and explored ways to further enhance youth participation and engagement.
The initiative reflects the Youth Board of Cyprus' commitment to ensuring that youth policies, programmes, and services are shaped by the real needs and aspirations of young people. Emphasis was placed on reaching young people across all regions of Cyprus by visiting every Youth Multifunctional Centre operated by the Youth Board, including those in remote areas, thereby promoting inclusive participation and representation.
By engaging directly with local communities, the Youth Board gained a deeper understanding of regional priorities and emerging issues, while strengthening cooperation with local stakeholders. In parallel, youth entrepreneurship was highlighted through a consultation hosted on the Youth Board’s digital participation platform, ekfracy. Feedback collected online and during local meetings provided important perspectives on the opportunities and challenges young people face when considering entrepreneurial pathways in their communities.
The findings and recommendations emerging from this consultation process will be compiled into a report that will be submitted to the responsible Minister, contributing to evidence-based policymaking and the development of future initiatives that better respond to the needs of young people across Cyprus.
The meetings also reinforced the importance of creating accessible channels for young people to express their views and contribute to decisions that affect their lives. Through this ongoing dialogue, the Youth Board of Cyprus aims to further strengthen local partnerships, support evidence-informed youth policy development, and ensure that young people's voices remain at the centre of future initiatives.
