Intergenerational Dialogue and Knowledge Transfer as Key to Strengthening Youth Electoral Culture

A roundtable discussion titled “The Role of Local Self-Government Bodies in Implementing and Improving Youth Electoral Policy” was held in St. Petersburg. The event was organized by the International Institute for Monitoring Democracy Development, Parliamentarianism and Suffrage Protection of Citizens of IPA CIS Member Nations (IPA CIS IIMDD) and the Union of Youth Election Commissions of Russia. The discussion brought together election officials, youth policy experts, representatives of youth election commissions, and academics.

Opening the event, Deputy Head of the IPA CIS Council Secretariat – Director of the International Institute for Monitoring the Democracy Development, Parliamentarianism and Suffrage Protection of Citizens of IPA CIS Member Nations (IPA CIS IIMDD), Doctor of Law, Professor Ivan Mushket emphasized that young people represent a country’s most important development resource. He noted that youth electoral initiatives help transfer knowledge, experience, traditions, and historical memory to future generations while fostering civic engagement and legal awareness.

Participants highlighted the importance of systematic work with young and future voters between election cycles. Speakers stressed that local self-government serves as an effective platform for developing civic responsibility, political participation, and leadership skills among young people. They also underscored the value of direct dialogue with youth to better understand their interests and expectations.

Representatives from regional election commissions shared successful practices, including educational programs, youth election commissions, volunteer initiatives, and partnerships with universities. Several speakers emphasized the role of these projects in creating personnel reserve for public service and encouraging young citizens to participate in democratic processes.

The roundtable concluded with a discussion on further strengthening youth electoral policy and expanding cooperation among CIS Member Nations. Participants adopted a resolution proposing the development of a CIS-wide Youth Electoral Concept based on successful practices implemented in the Russian Federation, with the goal of enhancing legal culture, civic engagement, and informed participation among young voters.