Pohang Youth Policy School Cultivates Local Youth Policy Activists... Foundation for Youth Participation
Leading Policy Direction by Reflecting Youth Demands... "We Will Create a Truly Youth-Friendly City"
Pohang City is accelerating the creation of a youth-friendly city by reflecting the voices of young people in its policies and expanding youth-led policy platforms.
Youth forum held last year at Pohang Youth Center & Youth Startup Platform under the theme "Youth-Led Residential Environment, Finding the Answer in Pohang!" Provided by Pohang City
On June 19, the city held the graduation ceremony for the "2nd Pohang Youth Policy School," producing 17 policy activists who will lead local youth policy initiatives.
Since its launch last year, the policy school has trained a total of 36 activists, thereby broadening the foundation for youth participation in policymaking.
In particular, for young people interested in policy participation but lacking opportunities, the city has initiated the "Cheongnyeondaero Pohang Project." Through policy education, subcommittee activities, visits to exemplary regions, living labs, and policy camps, the project is practically strengthening the capabilities of local youth.
At the policy proposal competition held alongside these initiatives, outstanding ideas such as a youth policy text notification service and the promotion of youth camping culture were presented. This year, these ideas have been implemented as actual policies under the names "Porangsae" and "Po-Camper," receiving a strong response from young people.
The city is also actively operating the "Youth Policy Coordination Committee" to ensure that the opinions of young people are systematically reflected in municipal administration.
The committee is composed entirely of members aged 39 or younger, with student council presidents from local universities such as Sunlin University, Uiduk University, Handong Global University, POSTECH, and Pohang University directly participating to discuss realistic policies.
This has led to a steady stream of field-oriented suggestions, such as improving bus routes and proposing a university alliance festival.
Communication with youth is also evident in city events. The annual "Pohang City Youth Policy Forum" is planned directly by committee members, establishing itself as a youth-led event that goes beyond mere formal participation.
Last year, Park Juhee, Secretary General of the Youth Foundation, and local university students participated as speakers, sharing practical concerns such as improving residential conditions and receiving strong resonance from attendees.
In addition, the city held the "1st Youth Day Commemoration Ceremony" last year to highlight the importance of youth rights and policy participation, while also operating the "Pohang Youth Center & Youth Startup Platform" as a key hub for youth employment, entrepreneurship, culture, and communication.
Kim Hyunsook, Director of the Employment and Youth Division, stated, "We will clarify our policy direction by truly reflecting the demands of young people and strengthen youth-led governance," adding, "We are committed to making Pohang a city where young people want to stay?a truly youth-friendly city."
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