Since Latvia has regained its historic place and significance in the democratic European family, we have stated clearly and firmly our political objective - to strengthen the country's independence and to ensure its irreversibility while developing as a modem democratic, secure economically strong country in a prosperous undivided Europe.

We welcome the initiative to attach the highest political significance to youth co-operation. This year Regional Conferences of Ministers responsible for youth have given us the possibilities to find new ways to support activities of young people within the Baltic Sea region and within Europe.

We acknowledge the achievements of youth organizations that have shown by their activities and initiatives a strong commitment to promote youth participation and mobility. We are conscious of the urgent necessity to enhance multilateral intergovernmental cooperation in the youth field and are convinced that the convening of this conference is occuring at the right time.

Partnership, equal participation and commitment - these are keywords for our common work. Participation of young people through their organizations in the decision making is vital and important not only to secure the development of democracy, but also in terms of efficient use of resources.

Citizenship education, consolidation and integration of society, prevention and solution of social problems, the youth unemployment in particular, restructuring of youth interest education, development of the coherent national youth policy - these are the areas where we are looking for experiences and joint projects.

We give a high priority to carry out the pilot-projects of development of youth policy at the regional and local level, aiming to reach all young people providing the possibilities for sound self-development and self-awareness within international understanding We consider development of cooperation in the youth field among all regions of the World as an important step towards increase of possibilities for young people,. The window to all of Europe was opened for us less than ten years ago. We shall support our youngsters to open the window to the entire World.

We believe we must respect youth initiatives and their wishes to cooperate in all areas. Young people are creative, friendly, they truly believe in the peaceful Universe. By supporting young people we are insuring our common future.

The Ministry of Education and Science is responsible for youth affairs in Latvia. There is Youth Interest Education Board, which is responsible for legislative questions, out-off-school activities and cooperation with other ministries in youth questions.

The State Youth Initiative Centre is a governmental institution which is responsible for coordination of activities in youth sector, working out of national youth programs, coordination of youth work in national, regional and local level, cooperation with youth NGO's as Latvian Youth Council, Children and Pupil's Parliaments etc.

The State Youth Initiative Centre is also coordinating training of youth workers and popular education (intercultural learning, programs connected with promotion of youth participation and building democracy).

There is no special Commission responsible for youth questions in the Parliament of Latvia. Commission of Education and Culture and Commission of Social Affairs are dealing with youth questions.

There are no special low regulating responsibilities and providing support for youth in Latvia. Educational law includes support and responsibilities of government and municipalities concerning youth activities, formal and non-formal education. There was Youth Concept appointed by Minister of Education and Science, which defines state attitude to young people and youth organisations in 1997. The National Youth Program for 1998-2003 was appointed by Government in March 1998.

There are 26 districts in Latvia where are 60 children and youth centres dealing with youth activities and non-formal education. State and municipalities in Latvia support centres.

5-6% of young people is involved into the youth organisations. Young people also are involved in different clubs, movements, actions that are not legally registered but are existing in schools, municipalities and cultural houses. There are about 70 registered youth NGO's in Latvia.

Latvian Youth Council is advisor organisation for the State youth policy makers. The representatives of Latvian Youth Council are involved in national youth policy-making processes.

There are about 40 independent youth organisations, students, pupils, political parties youth organisations etc.

There is no special regulation for supporting activities and projects of youth organisations. law on non-governmental organisations and associations makes provision for allocating financial assistance to youth programs.

The Ministry of Education and Science provides support for projects of youth organisations which are dealing with training, multicultural learning, promotion of building democratic society, promotion of participation of young people in social life of society, information, etc.

International cooperation in the youth field.

International cooperation in youth field in Latvia is based to bilateral agreements among Latvia and partner states and multilateral cooperation projects promoting youth participation and intercultural learning.

Latvia has bilateral agreement of cooperation in youth field with Germany. There are several agreements in education and culture, which includes cooperation in youth field with Estonia, Lithuania, Denmark, Sweden, and Poland.

Participation in EC and EU programs gives larger possibility to promote international networking between youth in Latvia and other countries - the Baltic-Benelux, Baltic-Nordic and Baltic Sea

States cooperation is enlarged since 1997.

We are looking for cooperation partners in the World!

Our address:
State Youth Initiative Centre
Ranka dambis I
Riga, LV1048 LATVIA

tel. +371-7860207
fax: +371-7601299
e-mail: yfe@latnet.lv