PRESS RELEASE

Empowering Young Immigrants for Democratic Engagement

                   Nordic youth training in Helsinki, Finland | 7–12 December 2026

 PACUNET-Palace and Cultural Network will host a six-day training programme in Helsinki, Finland, from 7 to 12 December 2026, designed to empower young people with immigrant backgrounds to engage more confidently and effectively in democratic and civic life. The programme will bring together participants from Denmark, Norway and Finland, with a target age range of 26 to 30.

Supported by Nordic grants, the training will focus on helping participants understand how democratic systems work, how decisions are made, and how they can contribute to the decisions that shape their everyday lives and communities. It will encourage young people to see themselves not only as observers of public life, but as active citizens with the capacity to participate, organize, speak up and lead.

Turning participation into influence

Across the Nordic countries, decisions made by elected representatives and public institutions influence issues that matter to residents every day, including education, employment, housing, equality, community services and social inclusion. Yet some young people with immigrant backgrounds may face barriers to participation, including limited access to civic information, low confidence in political processes, or a feeling that their voices are not adequately represented.

The Helsinki training aims to help address these barriers by building practical knowledge, confidence and networks. Participants will explore lawful and constructive ways to take part in public debate, engage with decision-makers, understand electoral processes and consider pathways to political leadership—including standing for elected or other public positions where eligible.

A multiplier effect beyond the training room

The programme is designed to create benefits beyond the group taking part in Helsinki. Participants will be encouraged to act as multipliers by sharing what they learn with peers, local associations and wider communities when they return home. Through conversations, community activities and peer education, they can help more people understand their civic rights, responsibilities and opportunities to participate.

By strengthening civic knowledge and encouraging sustained participation, the initiative seeks to help change narratives about immigrant communities—from groups often discussed in public debate to active contributors who can help shape policy, represent community perspectives and participate in democratic life.

Building knowledge, skills and confidence

The training will place emphasis on practical learning and peer exchange. Participants from Denmark, Norway and Finland will have the opportunity to compare experiences across the Nordic context, identify common challenges and share approaches that can support more inclusive participation.

Key areas of focus are expected to include:

• Understanding democratic institutions, civic rights and responsibilities in the Nordic context.
• Learning how elections work and how eligible residents can make informed choices and participate in voting.
• Exploring routes into political parties, youth and community organizations, advocacy and public leadership.
• Developing communication, public-speaking and dialogue skills for constructive engagement with decision-makers.
• Recognizing misinformation and strengthening the ability to assess political information critically.
• Planning peer-to-peer activities so participants can pass on knowledge and encourage others to take part.

A Nordic approach to inclusive democracy

Bringing young people together across national borders can help participants recognize both the differences between their countries and the shared value of inclusive democratic participation. The exchange will create space to reflect on what helps people feel represented, how communities can build trust in democratic institutions, and how young leaders can contribute to more responsive public decision-making.

The programme’s ambition is not limited to a single event. It is intended to support continued civic engagement after the training, with participants applying their learning in their own contexts and encouraging others to take informed, peaceful and constructive action. Voting is an important form of participation; community organizing, public consultation, dialogue with representatives and standing for public office, where eligible, are also ways people can help influence decisions.

Who the programme is for

The target group is young adults aged 26–30 from Denmark, Norway and Finland, particularly young people with immigrant backgrounds who are interested in civic participation, democratic engagement and community leadership. The programme is intended for people who want to strengthen their understanding of democratic processes and share that knowledge with others.

PACUNET-Palace and Cultural Network look forward to welcoming participants to Helsinki for a collaborative learning experience focused on practical skills, cross-border exchange and long-term community impact.

About the host

PACUNET-Palace and Cultural Network is hosting training to support young people’s capacity to participate in democratic and civic life. Through this initiative, PACUNET seeks to encourage informed participation, inclusive leadership and the sharing of civic knowledge across communities and borders.The training is supported by Nordic grants

Event at a glance

Event	Empowering Young Immigrants for Democratic Engagement
Dates	7–12 December 2026
Venue	Helsinki, Finland
Host	PACUNET-Palace and Cultural Network
Participants	Young people aged 26–30 from Denmark, Norway and Finland
Support	Nordic grants
Purpose	Build knowledge, confidence and practical pathways for democratic and civic participation

Media and further information

For further information about the training, please contact:

PACUNET-Palace and Cultural Network

Elia Kitadu
Email: info@pacunet.fi
Telephone: +358 (0) 469 349 525

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