Uiwang City Council Holds Communication Forum with Youth Participation Committee

Uiwang City Council announced on the 20th that it held a "Communication Forum with the Uiwang Youth Participation Committee" to reflect the authentic voices of local youth in municipal administration and to share the values of democracy.

The forum, held on the 19th, was attended by Council Chairman Seo Chang-soo, five city council members, and 14 student representatives from the Uiwang Youth Participation Committee.

At the event, participants engaged in candid discussions on local issues felt by youth and sought practical policy alternatives.

The event proceeded as a program where youth could directly experience the roles and functions of local councils. Participants toured major council facilities including the main chamber, sub-conference rooms, and medium-sized conference rooms, examined spaces where actual decision-making takes place, and enhanced their understanding of the overall legislative activities including council operations and ordinance enactment processes.

Particularly meaningful was the departure from the existing passive approach to youth participation, as representatives of the Youth Participation Committee gave presentations directly introducing their past activities and achievements. Student representatives provided detailed explanations of community issues from a youth perspective and activities they had been pursuing to address them.

During the subsequent question-and-answer and proposal session, youth representatives actively proposed local community issues and improvement measures they had felt, engaging in spirited discussions. Students presented ideas such as expanding cultural and welfare infrastructure for youth and expanding communication with the council.

In response, council members empathized with the shortage of spaces for "rest" and "recreation" and promised to reflect the proposals in policy.

Additionally, the city council plans to expand its communication channels with various sectors and implement an "open council" and "communicative legislative affairs" that all citizens can feel.

Council Chairman Seo Chang-soo said, "In seeing youth, the leaders of the future, directly take an interest in municipal administration and present creative opinions, I could see a bright future for Uiwang City. We will do our best to ensure that the valuable opinions proposed at today's forum are not merely suggestions but lead to actual ordinance enactment and budget allocation."