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.

Next children's forum: 09.07.2025

First Aachen Children's Forum 2024

The first public meeting of the Children's Forum took place in July 2024 in the Ludwig Forum space. Five pupil parliaments from elementary school in Aachen had set out to make their various concerns clear to politicians and the specialist administration. With sketches, light installations, chants and videos, the children made their voices heard in front of around 120 visitors and showed in an impressive way how even 8 to 10-year-olds can be experts in their own cause.

The topics were diverse. Whether it was the design of the children's rights square at the Talstraße depot, a staircase in need of renovation in the south of Aachen in Kornelimünster, the lighting of part of the Vennbahnweg or the wish for a closed "school street" at peak times. The children argued, made suggestions and impressed the adults with their knowledge, creativity and courage. Point by point, the children elaborated on their ideas and suggestions, while the committee and guests listened attentively.

The specialist administration examined the applications from the elementary school and prepared a child-friendly presentation, which met with a positive response from the auditorium. The report on some of the small measures that have already been implemented also pleased children, teachers and politicians alike. While there were differences of opinion on one point or another, the committee and the administration were unanimous on one point. All proposals were worthy of support and should be dealt with as quickly as possible in the specialist committees, district councils or as extended local meetings.