Youth-Makers Seminar

19 October 2026 | 12:30–17:00
Eurooppasali, Malminkatu 16, Helsinki
Language: English | Participation is free

Mirsal ry invites young people, decision-makers, NGO and civil society representatives, migrant and multicultural communities, municipal and public-sector professionals, and others interested in democracy and participation to join us for an afternoon of dialogue, exchange and networking.

From Finland to Democracy: Inspiring Success Stories creates a space where people from different backgrounds and different levels of society can meet directly, exchange experiences and discuss how participation in Finnish democracy can become more accessible and inclusive.

At the heart of the seminar is a simple idea: democracy works better when people have opportunities to meet, ask questions, listen to different perspectives and take part in the conversation.

About the Seminar

The seminar is organised by Mirsal ry as part of the Erasmus+ Youth Participation project Migrant Voices for Democracy: Empowering Future Leaders (MigrantVOICE).

Throughout the project, young participants have explored Finnish and European democracy, voting rights, political institutions, civic participation and different ways of influencing society.

The seminar brings this journey together by connecting participants directly with Members of Parliament, city councillors, civil society organisations, migrant and multicultural communities, municipal professionals and other public-sector representatives.

While the project has a particular focus on young people with migrant backgrounds, the seminar is a wider meeting place for everyone interested in democracy, equality, representation, belonging and community participation.

Youth & Decision-Makers Dialogue

One of the central parts of the afternoon will be a Youth & Decision-Makers Panel Discussion, bringing together political representatives from different parties and different levels of decision-making.

The discussion will explore topics such as participation and representation in Finnish democracy, belonging and equal opportunities to participate, racism and hate speech, the role of NGOs and civil society, barriers to participation, municipal and national decision-making, and different ways of influencing society.

Questions are being developed together with young participants, and people registering for the seminar can also submit their own questions for the decision-makers in advance.

With Finland approaching the 2027 parliamentary election, the seminar provides an opportunity to hear different political perspectives, ask questions directly and better understand how democratic participation and decision-making work in practice.

The purpose of the discussion is not to promote any political party or viewpoint, but to create an open space where participants can hear different perspectives and form their own informed views.

Who Can Join?

The seminar is open to everyone interested in democracy, participation, equality and inclusion.

We especially welcome young people from diverse backgrounds, decision-makers, Members of Parliament and city councillors, NGO and civil society representatives, migrant-led and multicultural organisations, community representatives, municipal and public-sector professionals, youth workers, and professionals working with participation, integration and community development.

You do not need previous experience in politics or civic participation to attend.

The seminar is also an opportunity to create new connections between communities, civil society, public institutions and decision-makers.

Programme

The afternoon will include an opening speech, presentations about Mirsal and the MigrantVOICE project, youth experiences and reflections, a Youth & Decision-Makers Panel Discussion, an open Q&A, and networking.

👉View the Full Programme

The programme is currently being finalised and may be subject to minor changes. The latest programme, including confirmed speakers, panelists and detailed timings, will always be available through the link above.

Join Us

Whether you are a young person interested in understanding more about decision-making, an NGO representative working with communities, a decision-maker, a municipal or public-sector professional, or simply someone interested in democracy and participation, you are warmly welcome.

Participation is free of charge, but registration is required.

👉Register Here

During registration, you can also submit a question that you would like the decision-makers to discuss during the seminar.

Date: Monday, 19 October 2026
Time: 12:30–17:00
Venue: Eurooppasali, Malminkatu 16, Helsinki
Language: English
Participation: Free of charge
Catering: Vegetarian lunch, coffee and refreshments will be provided.

The seminar is organised by Mirsal ry as part of Migrant Voices for Democracy: Empowering Future Leaders (MigrantVOICE), an Erasmus+ Youth Participation project funded by the European Union.