Pilot Implementation of 'Model Yerevan' Urban Governance Academy to Engage Youth in Local Government and Public Policy (AMERV0009)

Commitment ID

AMERV0009

Commitment Title

Pilot Implementation of 'Model Yerevan' Urban Governance Academy to Engage Youth in Local Government and Public Policy

Problem

There is a low level of youth engagement and interest in local self-government and urban development processes in Yerevan. Despite the critical importance of youth participation for democratic governance and sustainable urban policy, there are few structured mechanisms to attract, educate, and involve young people in local decision-making. The lack of awareness about local government functions and limited exposure to public service careers contribute to low levels of participation, especially among vulnerable and underrepresented youth groups. This undermines long-term civic engagement and weakens public trust in municipal institutions.

Status quo

Currently, youth engagement in Armenia’s local self-governance remains limited, with low awareness and participation in municipal decision-making processes. Despite the critical role of young people in democratic and economic development, existing mechanisms for their involvement are underdeveloped and insufficiently promoted. While ongoing national reforms aim to enhance transparency, accountability, and innovation in public administration, their implementation at the local level faces challenges related to attracting and retaining young talent in public service. There is no established platform for systematic youth involvement in urban governance, leading to a disconnect between local authorities and young citizens. Consequently, the potential of youth as agents of change in community development and governance remains largely untapped. Prior to the launch of the «Model Yerevan» pilot, no targeted programs existed to simulate real-life municipal governance for youth, limiting their practical understanding and motivation to engage. This status quo underscores the urgent need for innovative, inclusive initiatives to raise youth awareness, develop critical governance skills, and foster active participation in local policymaking.

Action

The commitment is the implementation of the «Model Yerevan» pilot program — an urban governance academy designed to engage young people in local self-government through education, simulation, and active participation. The program spans five months and includes three phases: preparation, a role-play competition simulating municipal governance, and results evaluation. By combining training in public administration fundamentals, critical thinking, public speaking, and negotiation skills with practical simulations of local government processes, the program aims to increase youth awareness and interest in community development and governance. Expected results include enhanced public service attractiveness, increased youth participation in policy-making, improved public trust in institutions, and the creation of a dynamic youth network for ongoing civic engagement. Ultimately, the program seeks to transform local governance into a more accountable, transparent, innovative, and youth-inclusive system, laying the foundation for the permanent «Model Yerevan» Urban Governance Academy under Yerevan City Hall.

How will the commitment contribute to solving the public problem described above?

The «Model Yerevan» commitment directly addresses the low youth engagement and limited transparency in local self-government by creating an innovative, practical platform for learning and participation. Through targeted education and immersive simulations, young people will gain a deeper understanding of municipal governance, develop critical thinking and public speaking skills, and become empowered to actively contribute to community development.

Expected outputs include:

• A comprehensive training curriculum delivered to participating youth.
• Successful execution of a multi-stage role-play competition simulating real urban governance challenges.
• Formation of a motivated youth community network and alumni base.

Expected outcomes:

• Increased youth awareness and interest in local governance processes.
• Enhanced public perception of the City Hall as a transparent and accountable institution.
• Strengthened trust between citizens and local authorities.
• Greater youth participation in policy discussions and decision-making, contributing to more responsive and inclusive urban governance.

Ultimately, the program will foster a culture of active citizenship and provide a replicable model for continuous youth engagement in local government reform.

What long-term goal as identified in your Open Government Strategy does this commitment relate to?

This commitment aligns with Yerevan’s long-term strategic goal of fostering inclusive, participatory, and transparent local governance. Specifically, it contributes to the objective of increasing civic engagement and public trust through youth involvement, innovation in policy-making, and talent development within the local self-government system. By institutionalizing a model for meaningful youth participation, the initiative supports broader efforts to create a more accountable, citizen-centered urban administration that reflects the values of open government.

Primary Policy Area

Civic Space, Inclusion

Primary Sector

Cross-sectoral, Education

What OGP value is this commitment relevant to?