More than 200 young people from across Wales are to attend the National Assembly’s annual Government and Politics Conference from 15-16 February 2017.
Schools and colleges from Carmarthenshire, Flintshire, Swansea, Cardiff and Gwent will visit over the two days and take part in discussions on Brexit, young people in politics, and workshops on how the Assembly makes laws.
The conference will be hosted by Llywydd of the Assembly, Elin Jones AM, who will open with a question and answer session.
Engaging young people in the work of the Assembly is an intergral part of the Assembly Commission’s strategy over the next five years with the establishment of a new youth parliament for Wales a key commitment.
Due to the popularity of the conference this year’s will be run as two separate conferences with the same programme on both days.
“With more and more responsibilities being devolved to Wales it is essential that young people understand and take part in the decisions that will affect their future,” said Elin Jones AM, Llywydd of the National Assembly for Wales.
“That is why engaging with children and young people is critical in order that we secure their participation. Establishing a youth parliament for Wales is a key part of our strategy for this Assembly.
“I look forward to welcoming everyone to Siambr Hywel for this year’s conference.”
Students from the following centres will attend on Wednesday (15.02.2017): Croesyceiliog Comprehensive (Cwmbran), Howells School (Cardiff), Llanishen High (Cardiff), Ysgol Bro Myrddin (Carmarthenshire), Coleg Gwent, Radyr Comprehensive (Cardiff) and King Henry VIII (Abergavenny).
On the Thursday (16.02.2017) we will welcome: Alun School (Flintshire), Gwent College (Cross Keys and Blaenau Gwent campus), Gower College (Swansea), St Cyres Comprehensive (Penarth) and Bishop of Llandaf (Cardiff).
The programme for both days:
10.00 - Welcome and introduction to the Fifth Assembly
10.30 - Question and Answer Session, The Presiding Officer, Elin Jones AM
11.00 - Break
11.20 - Brexit: Where Are We Now? A panel of academic experts chaired by a Welsh political journalist.
12.20 - Lunch
13.20 - Legislative Scrutiny Workshop
14:45 - Debate – Young People and Politics, A panel of academics experts and Assembly Members chaired by a Welsh political journalist.
15:50 - Feedback session and End of Day