Velbert's Youth Policy in Focus: Highlights from the Youth Parliament in February 2026

Youth Policy in Velbert: Activities and Debates in February 2026

Youth policy is a central component of municipal efforts in Velbert. By establishing the Youth Parliament as an independent participation body, the city enables young people aged 14 and older to actively shape decisions. February 2026 brought numerous highlights, ranging from discussions on future-relevant topics to the planning of concrete offers for children and young people.

Military Conscription in Debate: Youth Voice Their Positions

A key agenda item of the 11th session of the Youth Parliament on February 24, 2026, was the exchange on the topic of military conscription. Amid the current societal debate on the reform of conscription, the youth engaged intensively with the role of young people in society. They discussed how young people can be more strongly integrated into social and civilian service in the future, without neglecting the military aspect. The discussion was marked by a clear demand for greater transparency and the inclusion of young people in political decision-making processes.

Conceptual Impulses: Female Network and Holiday Activities

Another focus was on the presentation of the concept for a new female network, which aims to better connect and support girls and young women in Velbert. The goal is to promote equal opportunities in the city and to accompany young women in educational, cultural, and leisure activities. The concept will be further developed in the coming weeks and is to be implemented in cooperation with local initiatives and associations.

In addition, the planning of a holiday activity program in collaboration with the Association for Velbert's Children e.V. and the Foundation Leuchtturm (Lighthouse) was presented. The goal is to offer free leisure activities to children from socially disadvantaged families during the holidays. Cooperation with local partners is crucial to making leisure activities in Velbert more diverse and accessible.

Structural Reports and Work Progress

The session began with comprehensive reports from various working groups and committees. The spokesperson team of the Youth Parliament provided an overview of the work of the previous month, including the results of the working meeting in January. Special attention was given to the report from the working groups, which deal with topics such as mobility, education, and digitalization.

In addition, a report from the district youth council and the Children's and Youth Council of North Rhine-Westphalia was presented, highlighting how Velbert is positioned within regional and beyond-regional youth networks. These reports underscore the integration of youth policy in Velbert with higher-level structures, which is of great importance for the development of sustainable projects and initiatives.

Outlook: Youth Policy as a Central Field of Action

The Youth Parliament session in February 2026 shows: Velbert is making a sustainable investment in the future of its youth. Through the discussion on conscription, the development of a female network, and the planning of holiday activities, it becomes clear that youth policy here is not just a symbolic act, but is embedded in the city's structures. In the coming months, it will be exciting to observe how the presented projects are concretized and implemented – and what role young people will continue to play.