EU, the Netherlands launch youth empowerment initiative
The European Union (EU) and the Netherlands Embassy in Ghana have launched an initiative designed to empower young changemakers to influence policies and programmes impacting their lives and communities.
The initiative, the Youth Sounding Board (YSB) Ghana, aligns with the EU’s global commitment to youth empowerment.
It presents a unique opportunity for young leaders to contribute to meaningful change.
It also offers a platform to advocate issues that matter most to the youth, while shaping policies for a better and more inclusive future.
Selection process
The selection process will emphasise inclusivity, aiming to create a diverse and representative board.
Applicants will be evaluated based on their active community engagement, leadership abilities and dedication to driving positive change.
Collaboration skills and the capacity to offer innovative solutions will also be critical criteria in the selection process.
Over the two-year term, selected members will provide guidance to the EU and the Netherlands Embassy on youth-focused policies, advocate inclusive development and collaborate with both local and international stakeholders.
Applications opened on January 21, 2025 and will close on February 20, 2025.
It is open to Ghanaian youth aged 18 to 32.
Empowering youth voices
At the launch in Accra last Tuesday, the EU Ambassador to Ghana, Irchad Razaaly, emphasised the importance of engaging youth in decision making processes.
“By actively engaging the younger generation, we aim to tackle pressing issues relevant to youth in Ghana, including economic development, education reforms and social equity.
Participants will have the chance to share their perspectives, collaborate on innovative solutions and influence the policies that will shape the future of their nation,” he said.
Mr Razaaly shed light on the operational structure of the YSB, noting that it would be a localised committee working closely with the EU delegation and the Netherlands Embassy.
He said the board would regularly assess EU programmes and policies to ensure alignment with the expectations, needs and aspirations of Ghanaian youth.
He added that the board would also travel across the country to assess and visit projects that fall under their purview.
Netherlands-EU collaboration
The Netherlands Ambassador to Ghana, Jeroen Verheul, highlighted how the Netherlands and the EU could work together to support the youth through complementary approaches.
“The EU has a strong development programme, while the Netherlands focuses on investment, trade and private sector development. Together, we can create opportunities for the youth in both development programmes and private sector initiatives,” he explained.
Mr Verheul cited the Netherlands’ Orange Corners Accelerator Programme as an example, which supported young entrepreneurs in developing their businesses.
“This initiative from the Netherlands complements the EU programmes and strengthens the broader European agenda,” he said.
He added that youth participation would be integrated into both development and private sector policies.
The Netherlands ambassador also emphasised the importance of the youth in shaping policies that impact their future.
“It’s not only social media you can use to influence; the YSB provides a platform to influence EU and the Netherlands policies and through us, hopefully, Ghana’s government policies as well,” he stated.