National Youth Programme in Denmark promotes active citizenship

The National Youth Programme of Danish NGO Mellemfolkeligt Samvirke (MS) - part of the ActionAid federation - empowers youth from disadvantaged areas via the “Stronger Together” initiative. It fosters active citizenship, democratic participation and local youth-led change.

The project aims to empower young people from disadvantaged areas to use their voice and take collective action on issues that matter to them, to strengthen youth participation in democratic processes and local decision-making and to build inclusive, youth-led communities that drive social change and foster active citizenship across Denmark. It also works to promote a rights-based, democratic approach where young people lead and co-design all project phases. A core value of MS is to work with young people rather than for them.

“We want to create hope and motivate young people to believe in themselves and that they can help make a difference.” – Barwaqo, Project Coordinator, Tingbjerg

The project benefits young people aged 15-25 living in social housing projects and, by extension, local communities more widely. The majority of participants have an ethnic minority background and are first- or second-generation refugees or migrants from third countries. 

The programme supports young people to organise themselves in local communities and youth councils. There are currently three such councils — two based in Copenhagen and one in Odense — with three new ones being established in 2025, including in Nivå and Aarhus. In addition, the project includes a group of young people campaigning for Danish citizenship and another comprising youth with Jewish and Palestinian backgrounds. 

The young people plan events, meet with decision-makers, develop new skills, and take part in major national activities such as elections and public meetings. Activities are always carried out via partnership with social housing initiatives, cultural centres, or local youth clubs. Example activities include:

• local events for residents in the housing projects;
• meetings with democratic actors such as politicians, committees, boards;
• workshops;
• youth conferences;
• participation in the annual People’s Youth Meeting in Copenhagen and People’s Meeting in Bornholm.

Within MS, the project is supported by a team of five employees and three student assistants. Although the young participants are affiliated with their local communities, they are also actively involved in the organisation’s wider work and daily activities. They meet for workshops and events at MS premises in Nørrebro, Copenhagen, and in Mejlgade, Aarhus. They also take part when MS facilitates demonstrations and debates, contribute to policy development, and share their messages through MS social media channels.

The programme is funded over a 4-year period by several foundations: Tuborg Foundation, Det Obelske Familiefond and Østifterne. Mellemfolkeligt Samvirke also contributes. The annual budget is 509 000 EUR (3.8 mio DKK).