Uiwang City Council Holds Communication Meeting with Youth Participation Committee

Uiwang City Council in Gyeonggi Province announced on the 20th that it held a 'communication meeting with the Uiwang City Youth Participation Committee' to reflect the authentic voices of local youth in city administration and to share democratic values.

The meeting held on the 19th was attended by Council Chair Seo Chang-su, five city council members, and 14 student representatives from the Uiwang City Youth Participation Committee.

The participants engaged in candid discussions about local issues as perceived by youth and explored practical policy alternatives during this time.

The event proceeded as a program where youth could directly experience the role and function of local councils. Participants toured major council facilities including the main chamber, subcommittees rooms, and conference rooms, examined the spaces where actual decision-making takes place, and enhanced their understanding of overall legislative activities including the council operating system and the ordinance-making process.

In particular, this event was more meaningful as it departed from the existing passive participation format, with Youth Participation Committee representatives giving presentations directly introducing their activities and achievements thus far. Student representatives took time during their presentations to explain in detail the local community problems from a youth perspective and the activities they had pursued to resolve them.

During the subsequent question-and-answer and suggestion session, youth representatives actively proposed local community problems they had felt and improvement measures, engaging in a vigorous discussion. Students presented ideas such as expanding cultural and welfare infrastructure for youth and expanding communication with the council.

Council members responded by empathizing with the lack of space for 'rest' and 'play,' and promised to reflect the proposals in policy.

Additionally, the city council plans to expand communication channels with various groups and implement an 'open council' and 'communicative legislative practice' that all citizens can feel.

Council Chair Seo Chang-su said, "In the sight of youth, the future leaders, taking direct interest in city administration and presenting creative opinions, I could see a bright future for Uiwang City," and added, "I will do my best so that the precious opinions proposed at today's meeting do not remain as simple suggestions but lead to actual ordinance enactments and budget reflections."