Seongbuk-gu Appoints Child-Friendly City Promotion Committee Members and Ombudspersons

Promotion of Various Activities Including Participation in District Administration, Proposals, and Child Rights Monitoring from the Perspective of Creating a Child and Youth-Friendly Environment and Protecting Rights

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Seongbuk-gu (Mayor Lee Seung-ro) held the inauguration ceremony of the Seongbuk-gu Children and Youth Council on the 17th, attended by members of the Children and Youth Council and university student aides (from the Department of Law at Kookmin University).

Now in its 8th term, the Seongbuk-gu Children and Youth Council completed the composition of its members by recruiting a total of 55 children and youth residing or studying in Seongbuk-gu since March.

Due to the impact of COVID-19, it was difficult to organize the council last year, but this year, a meaningful inauguration ceremony was held with a high participation rate, achieving the total recruitment number.

The Children’s Council held its inauguration ceremony at 1 p.m., and the Youth Council at 3 p.m.

Strictly adhering to COVID-19 infection prevention guidelines, the first part included the formation and exchange activities of three standing committees: ▲Education & Welfare ▲Environment & Safety ▲Children’s Rights & Leisure. The second part proceeded with ▲presentation of appointment certificates ▲reading of pledges by representative members ▲and commemorative photo sessions.

In particular, Mayor Lee Seung-ro of Seongbuk-gu and Chairman Kim Il-young of the Seongbuk-gu Council attended the ceremony, awarding appointment certificates and council member badges to all children and youth council members, encouraging their future activities.

This year, the Children and Youth Council will participate in a diverse curriculum over one year through collaboration with local excellent human resources and affiliated organizations, including eight university student aides from the Department of Law at Kookmin University, organized by the Seongbuk Youth Culture House (Director Park Jong-guk).

With the goal of enacting ordinances by the end of the year, members will directly experience simulated local legislative activities such as temporary committee meetings, free speeches at plenary sessions, resolution announcements, and drafting and passing ordinances.

Additionally, participants’ policy engagement capabilities will be strengthened through visits to the National Assembly and district council, as well as exchange activities with youth participation organizations.

Mayor Lee Seung-ro of Seongbuk-gu said, “I support the activities of the 55 children and youth who applied as representatives of Seongbuk-gu’s children and youth despite the difficulties caused by COVID-19 and academic challenges.”

Chairman Kim Il-young of the Seongbuk-gu Council added, “I hope you spend meaningful time learning the role of the district council through your future activities and experiences,” and also told participating parents, “We will keep the doors of the district council wide open, awaiting visits from the children and youth council members.”