A group of young people pose together outdoors in a park setting. Several individuals are standing and sitting around a seating area, with trees and greenery in the background.

From ideas to action at Sweden’s leading youth forum

How can Boden become a better place for young people? And how can Norrbotten become more innovative and competitive? These were the key questions when the Youth Forum gathered at the end of March to develop proposals and provide inspiration for the region’s democracy forum, Future Lab.

There was a sense of anticipation in the air, and the level of engagement was clear as the young participants worked to identify challenges and suggest solutions. Ideas flowed freely, covering everything from a broader range of educational opportunities to more social meeting places and better job prospects for young people.

“Here in Boden, young people are given the opportunity to make a difference.”

Boden as a role model

One of the participants was Maja Sjöberg, a member of both the Youth Council Executive Board and the Youth Council. She emphasised the importance of taking the opportunity to influence decisions when such opportunities are available.

Abozar Yamshidi, representing Hörnet Youth Centre’s advisory council, agreed.

“I want to contribute through my commitment and help make Boden a more attractive place for young people to live,” he said. “Actually, for everyone.”

The workshop was organised by Region Norrbotten in collaboration with the Municipality of Boden and the organisation Youth 2030 Movement. During the event, participants also had the opportunity to apply to take part in the regional democracy forum later in the spring.

Isa Ponturo, Youth Development Officer at Region Norrbotten, was one of the facilitators of the evening’s activities.

“We are visiting youth forums across the county during 2026 and 2027. This municipality has worked with youth issues for many years and serves as an important role model for the rest of the county and the country as a whole. We see Boden as a natural and essential part of our democracy initiative.”

Three young people are seated around a table, collaborating on a project. A projector, computer equipment, and study materials are visible in a learning environment.

Young people making a difference

Boden’s Youth Council was established in 2007, and around 500 students take part in the process each year. The work begins with workshops in schools and continues with a preparation day where participants decide which issues should be discussed. During this stage, participants also elect representatives to take part in dialogue meetings with politicians and municipal officials. In 2024, Boden became the first municipality in Sweden to establish an international youth council.

Youth representation is an important part of the municipality’s ongoing dialogue and consultation work and serves as a reference body in a wide range of matters. Several proposals supported by the Youth Council have already become reality. Examples include extended evening opening hours at youth centres, the placement of a bus stop near Havremagasinet, and a minibus that is planned to support more activities in rural areas.

Thor Vinblad von Walter is a member of the Youth Council board. For him, taking part in the municipality’s youth initiative is an obvious choice.

“Here in Boden, young people are given the opportunity to make a difference. We can see that decision-makers value our involvement in community development. It is rewarding to contribute, and we also learn a great deal about democracy and how the political system works. That knowledge is important for the future.”

An older woman takes part in a discussion with several people in an indoor setting. The group is gathered around a table, engaged in conversation in a social and collaborative atmosphere.

A community for everyone

Since its launch almost 20 years ago, the municipality’s youth democracy initiative has been complemented by the Youth Forum. The forum consists of the Youth Council, the Youth Council Executive Board, advisory councils from the youth centres Chillet, Hörnet and Toppen, as well as youth representatives from the municipality’s local service points.

Participants meet regularly to gather ideas, drive issues forward and organise activities for young people in Boden. In 2025, Boden’s Youth Forum was named Youth Council of the Year in Sweden.

Annika Sandström is responsible for youth democracy and youth participation within the municipality. She is proud of the young people’s commitment.

“We have a truly unique collaboration between elected representatives and young people, and I am grateful to be able to support it. Our amazing young people are helping to shape Boden’s development here and now. Together, we can create the best possible community for everyone.”

This news article was also published in Boden Bild issue 2–2025. Curious about more news from Boden Bild? Explore the full collection. External link.

A group of young people and leaders gather in a community space for an activity or workshop. Participants are seated around tables and on sofas while two people present in front of a projection screen.

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Text by: Anna Almqvist

Photo by: Petra Älvstrand, Patrik Öhman

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