Pyeongtaek City Listens to Youth Voices for Youth Policy Development

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Seo Dong-young] Pyeongtaek City held a dialogue session with young people titled 'Youth Empathy Talk, Pyeongtaek Where We Want to Live' on the 9th at the City Hall Integrated Situation Room.

Pyeongtaek City Mayor Jung Jang-seon and approximately 30 young people active in various fields attended the session.

During the dialogue, case presentations and policy suggestions followed by open discussions took place across three key areas: 'Employment and Welfare,' 'Women and Childcare,' and 'Culture and Arts'—the most urgent issues facing youth.

Lee Han-jae, director of the Pyeongtaek Citizens Foundation, said, "Young people must take the initiative to actively find solutions to these problems," and added, "Youth policy will be effective only when this is accompanied by active support from Pyeongtaek City."

Lee Ye-seul, education team leader of the Pyeongtaek Youth Network, said, "We appreciate the opportunity to create a space for communication where young people can discuss our issues together," and added, "We look forward to seeing the results of efforts for youth policy."

Mayor Jung Jang-seon of Pyeongtaek City said, "It was a meaningful time to hear the concerns and thoughts of those who will lead Pyeongtaek City," and continued, "Going forward, we will work together to address the problems young people face, seek solutions, and do our best to make Pyeongtaek a city where young people can live well and a city of hope."

Meanwhile, the city explained that the dialogue session adhered to 'social distancing in daily life' guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including pre-event temperature checks, masks, and hand sanitizers.