The newly passed Law on Youth Policy establishes a comprehensive framework for the government to shape and implement youth-related policies. With a focus on the needs and development of young people aged 13 to 35, the Law aims to create legal foundations for youth organisations, centers, and workers while ensuring active participation and inclusion of youth in decision-making processes. Key aspects of the law include the establishment of youth programs, local youth policies, and mechanisms for collaboration between various stakeholders, including governmental bodies, local authorities, and youth organisations. This reform sets clear guidelines for addressing the challenges faced by young people and highlights their role as active participants in the country’s socio-political and cultural life.
Armenia's new Youth Policy Law: A landmark change
On 5 March 2025, the Armenian Parliament enacted a new Youth Policy Law, focused on the legal foundation for youth policies, guiding the involvement of state bodies, local governments, youth organisations, and civil society in creating a supportive environment for the country’s young population. The law covers a range of measures, from expanding youth participation in public life to addressing issues like social inclusion, educational access, and cultural engagement. This shift is important for Armenia, as there have been no youth-related regulatory documents in place for more than seven years. The law's passage underscores the growing recognition of youth as key players in shaping the future of the country.
The new law was developed through a highly participatory process, engaging youth organisations, experts, and young people from across the country, with significant contributions from international organisations and youth CSOs in ensuring large-scale participation. The Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sport established a working group composed of representatives from the government, CSOs, and international partners, working in five thematic subgroups. The process included expert consultations, nationwide discussions with youth organisations and local government representatives, and parliamentary hearings, ultimately engaging around 1,000 participants and integrating feedback from these discussions into the final draft.
Impact on civil society: A new positioning towards youth engagement
Youth-focused CSOs will now play an integral role in shaping the country’s youth-related policies and programs. The Law requires national and local government bodies to collaborate with these organisations to design and implement youth initiatives. The new Law, along with amendments to the Law on Local Self-Government, stipulates adoption of local youth policies and establishment of community youth centers, which will foster youth engagement and better realisation of youth potential on local level. This creates a framework that will not only empower youth-led initiatives but also ensure their participation in key decisions on both local and national levels. However, the implementation of the law will require substantial resources and commitment from both governmental and non-governmental actors. While this legislation holds great promise, its success will depend on the effective mobilisation of resources and the creation of inclusive platforms where youth can freely voice their concerns and influence national discourse.
Real-world impact: Empowering youth through practical action
On a human level, this law will affect the daily lives of young people across Armenia. Take, for instance, the experience of youth activists in rural areas. Under the new law, these individuals will have more avenues to engage with local governments and participate in decisions about their communities. They will also gain more support in creating initiatives that align with Armenia’s national youth agenda. This could range from educational programs to the creation of youth centres that foster local talent. These initiatives will not only contribute to the personal development of young Armenians but also offer them a platform to address challenges that are unique to their communities. Through these new channels, youth-driven solutions to local problems can gain national recognition, providing hope and purpose for young people who may feel disconnected from the central government. By empowering youth to take charge of their futures, the law provides them with the tools to actively engage in civic life and advocate for the changes they wish to see in their country.
Looking ahead, the implementation of Armenia’s Law on Youth Policy is expected to spark a wave of youth-driven initiatives and increased collaboration between CSOs, government bodies, and local communities. In the coming months, youth organisations and advocacy groups are likely to play a key role in monitoring and assessing the law’s effectiveness, ensuring that it delivers on its promises. This development aligns with recommendations from the CSO Meter reports, particularly through offering more practical mechanisms of participation on local and national levels and providing a legal ground for state-CSO cooperation in youth policy. As youth take on more leadership roles, we can expect a positive shift towards a more inclusive and dynamic future for Armenia. The law’s passage marks just the beginning of a long-term effort to unlock the full potential of the country’s young people, fostering a new generation of leaders and changemakers.
Photo credit: NGO Center