| Turkish and Swedish perspective on youth policy |
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(2008-04-08) An interview with Emmy Bornemark, project manager for the swedish-Turkish cooperation ...
 Hello Emmy Bornemark, project manager for the swedish-Turkish cooperation ... What kind of cooperation have we started with Turkey? The aim is to develop youth policy in our countries. This cooperation is part of the Swedish government’s democracy investment that aims to help Turkey to meet requirements for EU membership. What can we learn from each other? I think we can inspire each other and learn from each other's experiences. International cooperation is a good method to get new perspectives. In Sweden, we regard this cooperation as an opportunity for the pilot municipalities to develop their local youth policy. What issues are prioritised? Knowledge and research on young people, youth terms, youth unemployment and young people's rights and obligations. Turkey’s and Sweden's youth policy differ in many ways. Can we have a cooperation on an equal terms? There are major differences, but also similarities between Turkey and Sweden. It is interesting is to find points we have in common and share experiences. Youth unemployment is an area where we can learn from each other. And both countries have a large influx of big cities - what will happen to remote areas? What should the cooperation lead to? We will have around twenty activities during the two-year period. Seminars, conferences and workshops are planned. In the autumn, we hope to have a site ready in Turkey that will serve as a meeting place for youth. Today, there is no such platform in Turkey, either for young or for people who work with youth. Text and photo: Claudia Torres |
