Youth Policy in Tübingen: Focus on Participation and Inclusion in March 2026

Youth Policy in Tübingen: Participation, Inclusion, and Political Education

Tübingen has positioned itself as a pioneer in youth policy in recent years by actively involving young people in decision-making processes and strengthening political education. In March 2026, these issues were once again in the spotlight, particularly through the work of the Youth Council, which generated momentum through a variety of activities and discussions.

Active Participation through the Youth Council

On 13 March 2026, the Youth Council held a key meeting in which several central topics were addressed. As an independent body of the city of Tübingen, the Youth Council discussed a review of the podium discussion on the 2026 state election, highlighting political education and the engagement of young voters. In addition, young people reported on their experiences in committees and on the work of the Round Table on Inclusion as well as the Round Table on Child Poverty. These discussions demonstrate how Tübingen is striving to incorporate young people's perspectives into the political landscape.

Another focus was the presentation of projects and proposals, including the Wednesday column in the Schwäbische Tagblatt, which involves young people in journalistic work, and the exchange with the organization "Grandmothers Against the Right." These initiatives underscore the city's approach to promoting youth participation in both cultural and socio-political contexts.

Inclusion and Social Justice in Focus

The Youth Council also engaged intensively with topics such as inclusion and child poverty. The Round Table on Inclusion is an example of the committed work being done in Tübingen to improve the living conditions of children and young people. In March, a report on the current work of this body was presented, highlighting the role of the municipal administration in these issues. Furthermore, it was discussed how young people can be more actively included in the development of inclusive structures.

Child poverty is also a social challenge. The Round Table on Child Poverty is a forum where various actors—including young people, social workers, and politicians—discuss solutions. In March 2026, the experiences from the work of this body were in the foreground, with particular emphasis on the role of the city in combating poverty.

Preparation for the State Youth Forum

Another highlight in March 2026 was the preparation for the State Youth Forum, which took place on 21 March in Öhringen. Tübingen youth used the meeting to inform themselves about the structure of the forum and to present their own project ideas. The forum is a platform where young people from all over Baden-Württemberg can submit their ideas and shape politics. Tübingen uses such forums to network its youth policy regionally and to set impulses.

In addition, preparations for an exhibition on the topic of "extreme right-wing movements" and a podium discussion on "educational inequality in Tübingen" on 19 May 2026 were addressed. These projects show how Tübingen is actively working for a democratic and fair environment in which young people have a voice.

Outlook: Youth Policy as a Long-Term Investment

The work of the Youth Council in March 2026 underscores that Tübingen does not view youth policy as a short-term action, but as a long-term investment in the city's future. Through participation, political education, and social justice, Tübingen is setting standards in youth policy. Further activities are planned for April and May 2026 that will build on the results of March and further strengthen youth participation.

In this way, the city of Tübingen shows that youth policy is not only a tool for shaping opinions, but a central pillar for the city's democratic future viability.