The Organisation of the Swiss Abroad (OSA) encourages young people to take part in political life in Switzerland and prepares them for exercising their political rights. We are supported in our efforts by Didier Burkhalter, the President of the Swiss Confederation.
OSA is organising two events over the coming months which will enable young Swiss abroad to gain an insight into Switzerland’s political system and actively participate in it. Swiss President Didier Burkhalter has announced that he will be visiting the young people.
Swiss abroad born in 1995 and 1996 are invited to take part in a political seminar organised by OSA in Berne to coincide with the celebrations for reaching the age of majority. Participants will be welcomed in Berne on 17 October by OSA and their host families. The young citizens will then receive an introduction to Switzerland’s political system. They will be informed about how they can exercise their political rights in Switzerland. The young people will also be prepared for the age-of-majority festivities organised by the city of Berne at the Federal Palace.
Over 200 youngsters gain an insight into Swiss political procedures each year at the Youth Session. This allows them to find out about political processes and ways of participating in political decision-making without any obligation. This makes it easier for them to engage in further political activity or to undertake civic commitments.
Youth Session places are reserved for Swiss abroad aged 14 to 21. OSA will explain the procedures and issues to participants in the days leading up to the session. The young politicians will then actively participate in the Youth Session from Thursday to Sunday.
OSA has inserted a new section featuring political offers for young people at www.swisscommunity.org. We hope any young people interested will visit us at the community website.
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