The Norwegian Government attaches great importance to efforts to enhance the ability of children and young people to play an active role in society and to exert an influence on their own life situation and future. In this context, participation in local planning and decision-making is crucial, together with increased dialogue between the authorities and children and young people.
The authorities at both the central and local levels arrange joint meetings, hearings, and conferences at which children and young people are invited to contribute their ideas and suggestions. These measures are designed to ensure that children and young people can influence circumstances affecting their daily lives and the development of their local environments.
In Norway, the regional and local authorities play a major role in developing and implementing youth policies. It is up to the local authorities to decide how to promote youth participation on the local level. A growing number of municipalities in Norway have initiated efforts to involve children and young people in local planning and decision-making. Child and youth councils or similar bodies have been established in about 75 per cent of Norwegian municipalities.
By the Norwegian Ministry of Children and Family Affairs