Children's forum

The Children's Forum offers children the opportunity to contribute their concerns and ideas to local politics and to actively experience democratic processes.

The Children's Forum offers children as young as school age a platform where they can put their concerns and wishes directly to a committee of councillors and knowledgeable citizens. It not only brings the politics of the City of Aachen to life, but also shows even the youngest children that they have a voice that is heard.

Based on the format of the citizens' forum, the children's forum creates a space in which children can present their suggestions and ideas in a format that is understandable and appealing to them. However, without losing the value and path of a regular committee meeting.

The applications submitted by pupils from Aachen elementary school are presented on site by the young applicants. The administration presents answers and the children can take part in the discussion.

The Children's Forum is an extension of the existing Citizens' Dialogue and is specifically geared towards the needs of children without neglecting the structures and procedures of a regular committee meeting. As a special meeting of the Citizens' Forum, it is based on clear legal principles and at the same time takes into account the requirements of child and youth participation. This creates a space in which the youngest can present their ideas in a format that is understandable and appealing to them.

The Children's Forum 2026 - at a glance:

Pupils from Aachen's elementary school and accompanying professionals are cordially invited to the Children's Forum of the City of Aachen. The applicants of the four selected applications will present their ideas to local politicians on site.

Date: Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. (admission from 10:15 a.m.)
Location: To be announced

To the poster for the event

Children help shape urban policy

On Wednesday, July 15, 2026, the Children's Forum 2026 will take place in Aachen's city center - a special meeting of the "Citizens' Forum" political committee. The focus will be on the ideas and concerns of Aachen's children aged six to eleven.

How the children's forum works - The format consists of three phases:

1. submission of applications

Elementary school and open children's and youth facilities in the city of Aachen have been able to submit an application since January 12, 2026. The focus is on ideas and suggestions for improvement that affect the lives of children in Aachen.

2. vote on the motions

All submitted applications are bundled and forwarded to the participating institutions for voting. The children at each elementary school can select two applications that are particularly important to them.

3. selection and preparation

The four proposals with the most votes are selected democratically and prepared by the administration. They form the basis for political consultation in the Children's Forum.

With the Children's Forum, the city of Aachen is sending out a strong signal for participation and political education - and that good ideas know no age.

Impressions from previous years

2024

2025