International exchange on the participation of the young generations

Source: BASE

A workshop on intergenerational justice and youth participation in radioactive waste management was held in Belgium/Dessel between 5 and 7 October. The event was organised by the Forum on Stakeholder Confidence (FSC) of the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (OECD NEA) together with the Belgian organisation ONDRAF/NIRAS, which is responsible for the interim and final disposal of radioactive waste in Belgium.

The workshop focused on the international exchange on approaches and methods of youth participation as well as the question of how public involvement in repository projects can be ensured over several generations.

On the German side, representatives of the Council of the Young Generation presented their activities in the scope of the site selection procedure, and elaborated on the aspects they considered important for a successful involvement of young people. They particularly emphasised the need for opportunities for young people to take action, as well as fora for exchange and further education.

A forum for international exchange of experiences

The workshop took place in the Belgian municipality of Dessel, where an above-ground repository for low and intermediate level radioactive waste is planned. The Tabloo Visitor and Meeting Centre was recently opened there to promote intergenerational exchange and knowledge sharing.

The workshop was attended by representatives from numerous OECD NEA member states, youth representatives from Belgium, France, Switzerland and Germany, as well as Belgian stakeholders from neighbouring communities around the planned repository site.

The Forum on Stakeholder Confidence (FSC) of the OECD NEA serves to promote international exchange on public participation issues. BASE is actively involved in the FSC, and has facilitated the participation of German youth representatives in the workshop. The participation of young generations is an important thematic focus within the FSC.