Aachen Youth Forum

Follow-up report on the first Aachen Youth Forum on 30.04.2025

First Aachen Youth Forum: Full house, strong voices and fresh ideas for the city

The first Aachen Youth Forum on April 30 was a complete success: around 70 committed young people from secondary schools in the city of Aachen came together at Forum M and filled the hall to capacity. The high level of participation impressed politicians and administrators alike, who expressly praised the great interest shown by the young people.

The Youth Forum, a new offshoot of the Citizens' Forum, offers young people the opportunity to contribute their ideas and concerns directly to the political discussion. The basis for four of the projects presented was the future workshop "Pimp my Future" held in November 2024, in which the young people took an in-depth look at the 17 sustainability goals of the United Nations.

The workshop was organized by "Politik zum Anfassen e. V.", an independent, non-partisan and non-profit association. It was supported by the municipal departments of Citizens' Dialogue and Administrative Management (FB01), Climate and Environment (FB36) and Youth and Schools (FB45) of the City of Aachen.

Sustainability in practice: drinking fountains for Aachen

The first motion to be discussed came from students at Einhard-Gymnasium, who are campaigning for the installation of additional public drinking water fountains in Aachen - an issue that is highly relevant in view of increasing periods of heat. The young people called for free drinking water dispensers to be installed at busy locations in the city.

Politicians and administrators were open to the idea: The city of Aachen is already working on a concept that is considered a measure of municipal services of general interest and climate adaptation. The discussion in the youth forum gave the project additional momentum. Topics such as barrier-free design and creative financing, for example through sponsors, were also introduced. The young people demonstrated a high degree of reflection and foresight.

Free bikes and repairs at schools

Another proposal focused on free bike hire and repair services at schools. A voucher model for access to e-bikes via Velocity and the establishment of bicycle repair shops at secondary schools were proposed.

The administration referred to existing model locations and sees potential for expansion, but emphasized the need for further tests on feasibility. Test weeks at selected schools as well as questionnaires and photo campaigns to determine demand were proposed.

The idea of teaching pupils how to repair things themselves was also well received. Pupils from Heinrich Heine Comprehensive School promoted upcycling instead of buying new: "It's not always about buying something new, but making the best of what's already there." At the same time, it was emphasized that many young people do not own their own bicycles - free rental would therefore also be relevant in terms of social policy.

The youth forum unanimously recommended that the concept be pursued further and discussed in the school committee.

Digital information platform for young people

Another proposal dealt with the concept of a website by young people for young people. The aim is to create a central platform that bundles information about events, opportunities for participation, leisure activities and much more - designed and maintained by young people themselves.

The concept was co-developed by the AWO youth organization and the district student council, among others, and met with broad interest in the forum. Politicians and administrators welcomed the idea in principle and suggested that existing digital structures such as the newly revised municipal website should also be considered. The city is currently examining how implementation can be supported.

Mayor Sibylle Keupen emphasized: "We are happy to take up the ball."

In addition to the aforementioned topics, further applications for the promotion of climate-friendly waste management at educational institutions and the upgrading of public sports grounds were discussed. All applications were passed on to the relevant political bodies for further processing.

Youth forum as a new source of inspiration

The first meeting of the Youth Forum made it clear that Aachen's young people want to have their say - and have something to say. The format not only offers space for creative ideas, but also for genuine participation. Numerous politicians praised the quality of the contributions and the seriousness with which the young people address current challenges in their city.

Hilde Scheidt, Deputy Chairwoman of the Citizens' Forum, reminded everyone that political processes take time - but encouraged all participants to keep at it and continue to raise their voices.

A successful start with plenty of potential for the future.