Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) aims to equip people with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to shape a sustainable and equitable future. The ESD National Platform, which is part of the Federal Ministry of Education, Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth, seeks to advance this goal. To incorporate the perspectives of young people, the youpan was founded in 2017, bringing together 30 young people between the ages of 16 and 27 who are actively involved in the national ESD process.   

The study examines the impacts of youpan as well as quality criteria for successful youth participation and derives recommendations for action from the results to increase the body’s effectiveness. The empirical basis consists of a document analysis and interviews with 21 youpan members as well as 18 other committee members from the ESD process. The study shows that the work of youpan affects various levels: Through their involvement in youpan, members undergo personal development and gain specialized knowledge, facilitation and organizational skills, as well as democratic and social competencies. Central to this acquisition of competencies are peer learning and learning by doing. Members experience a sense of self-efficacy and are motivated by their experiences to continue their involvement.

Furthermore, youth participation in the bodies of the ESD process takes effect as young people attend meetings, contribute to discussions, implement their own suggestions regarding meeting methods and facilitation, and collaborate on position papers. In doing so, youpan members employ various strategies within the committees. For example, they contribute practical knowledge from their own daily experiences in education and use their expertise in ESD to make arguments, challenge established practices, or form alliances.

Beyond their committee work, youpan members find that they can make a difference through political advocacy, exchange with educational institutions, and dialogue with other young people. Particularly important for successful participation are support from an administrative office, pedagogical guidance, opportunities to shape the content and working methods within youpan and the committees, as well as an open attitude from other committee members.