Dialogue and Impact - the Youth Advisory Committee visits the Ministry
In the week of June 2nd, The Hague set the stage for the much anticipated Youth Advisory Committee Meet-Up Week. Members of the 4th cohort Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) came together for a dynamic week full of impactful conversations and unforgettable shared memories. Activites ranged from meetings with Deputy Director for International Cooperation and various country and thematic policy officers, to visiting the European Parliament in Brussels. A great opportunity to expand these young people's reach to new institutions and decision-makers!
Policy Dialogue in The Hague
Throughout the week, the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) engaged in a series of strategic discussions related to Dutch international policy. The program opened with a thought-provoking session with Deputy Director for International Cooperation and Ambassador for Youth, Education, and Work. Following a warm welcome, the conversation centered around the importance of youth voices in policy, the evolving international development cooperation system, and the role of young people in shaping our world’s future.
Following this engaging introduction, YAC members had the opportunity to meet their respective country and thematic policy officers, and various strategic advisors at the Ministry. In these conversations, the YAC shared their thoughts on the changing international development system, the challenges they face in their local contexts, and the importance of young people being included in policy dialogue on Dutch international cooperation.
A New Cohort
This year, the Ministry welcomed its 4th cohort of the international YAC. Consisting of 13 members from across the Sahel, the Horn of Africa, the Middle East and North Africa, these young people were selected to give young people a voice in the Ministry’s foreign policy processes. During this Meet Up Week, the Ministry was especially happy to welcome experienced second and third year YAC members, alongside a new group of youth who joined for the very first time. These new faces, with new perspectives and experiences, brought new energy to the group! Such a mix of seasoned and new voices created a rich environment for learning, collaboration, and exchange – a true reflection of what the YAC stands for.
Meaningful Youth Participation
Naturally, besides talking about policy, thinking and working on policy was also part of the Meet Up Week. A main task of the Youth Advisory Committee is to provide the Ministry with both unsolicited and solicited advise on foreign policy. Working on different policy questions, the YAC continues to provide a platform for young voices to be actively included and heard across the Ministry. Sharing their perspectives, grounded in their diverse lived experiences and the realities of young people in their regions, the YAC offers crucial insights for the development of foreign policy. This continuation of including youth in policy decisions is an important pillar of the Youth at Heart strategy. Because, as one of the YAC members stated: “If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu!”
If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu!
Visiting the Dutch Parliament and Brussels
To get a better sense of the broader political system in both the Netherlands and the European Union, part of the program were visits to the Dutch and European Parliament. Making their way to the Dutch House of Representatives, the YAC had the opportunity to speak with a member of parliament and discuss topics as youth representation and inclusion.
Another major highlight of the Meet-Up Week was the YAC’s trip to Brussels. Warmly welcomed by the Youth Team at the Directorate General for International Partnerships, they discussed the importance of cooperating with youth across countries. Followed by an insightful exchange with a young Member of the European Parliament (MEP), the YAC got some inspiring insights into working at a multilateral level. Additionally, some members of the Dutch Permanent Representation to the EU provided the YAC with a practical learning opportunity, offering a masterclass on the workings of EU institutions and policymaking. This inspiring day greatly enhanced the YAC’s understanding of European political dynamics and opened doors for future engagement.
The Youth Advisory Committee visits the European Parliament in Brussels.
Looking Ahead
Beyond the meetings and policy sessions, the Meet Up Week also provided time for reflection and team-building. Whether it was discussing ideas over dinner, exploring Dutch and Belgian cities, or preparing for upcoming tracks, the week strengthened the bond within the committee and reinforced the importance of youth-led input at every level of policymaking. As we look ahead, the YAC remains committed to bringing fresh and critical youth perspectives to the table, whether in The Hague, Brussels, or beyond.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue working toward inclusive and youth-responsive international policy landscape. Curious to meet current cohort of YAC members? Meet them here!