The Nordic Council of Ministers’ Vision 2030 for its work with children and youth states that “the Nordic Region shall be the best place in the world for children and young people” (Nordic Cooperation, n.d.). Beyond ensuring that children’s rights and youth perspectives are mainstreamed in policy development, it is vital to ensure that children and young people are able to actively engage, participate, share their knowledge and exercise their rights. Young people’s voices and perspectives are important when it comes to shaping a sustainable future, creating opportunities in local and regional labour markets, and securing a variety of services. Young people serve as a bridge to the future – they are a form of social and cultural glue. Without them, rural towns and villages will be but a happy memory, rather than thriving areas burgeoning with opportunities.
The project Gen-Z Agency: Mobilising young people to strengthen Nordic rural areas identifies solutions aimed at improving the living conditions of young people in rural areas.