A Living Lesson in Democracy: Young Leaders at the Heart of Polish Institutions

On June 24–25, 2025, a unique event took place in Warsaw as part of the D-EFFECT project – Lessons in Civil Society Democracy, implemented under the Interreg South Baltic programme. It was the first “living lesson of participatory democracy” in Poland, combined with an intergenerational and cross-sectoral dialogue. During this two-day study and monitoring visit, more than 40 young leaders from Elbląg, Dzierzgoń, Olsztynek, and Szczecin had the opportunity not only to explore Warsaw but above all to learn about the functioning of key democratic institutions in Poland.

Young people representing active Youth Councils and civic communities visited the Polish Parliament, took part in live parliamentary proceedings, and participated in a meeting at the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, where an open debate was held with representatives of the ministry, including Deputy Minister Dr. Maria Mrówczyńska. The young participants asked questions about the real impact of youth on shaping policies and public activities. They also met with experts representing third sector organisations such as the Ważne Sprawy Foundation and the Impuls Dla Młodych Foundation, and learned about the activities of Warsaw structures supporting district youth councils.

The event was not only an inspiration but also a concrete step in preparing for further initiatives under the D-EFFECT project, including pilot Local Democracy Festivals, which will soon take place in Elbląg, Dzierzgoń, Olsztynek, as well as abroad in Denmark, Sweden, Lithuania, and Germany.

The experience gained during the Warsaw meeting will make it possible to design and implement future activities even more effectively, strengthening youth participation in public life at both the local and transnational level. Thanks to this, the project will develop a model for engaging young citizens that can serve as an example for the entire South Baltic region. We would like to thank all participants, partners, and honorary guests, including parliamentarians and representatives of the National Institute of Freedom, for their support and involvement in creating this living lesson of democracy!