Unvarnished discussion: Aachen students demand changes from Mayor Keupen

Unvarnished discussion: Aachen students demand changes from Mayor Keupen

The youth designed the future of Aachen

The city of Aachen yesterday was all about engagement and the ideas of the students. Delegations from various secondary schools and the district student representative representative met for the "Global Goals Sternmarsch" at the Aachen town hall to raise and discuss their topics. A diverse program with information stands and lectures opened the day, followed by a Discussion in the town hall with Mayor Sibylle Keupen.

The range of ideas put forward was impressive: from measures against discrimination and for a sustainable school environment to concrete suggestions for improvement in the area of local public transport, the demands of the young people ranged. Together with City Councilor Heinrich Brötz and converting expert Klaus Meiners, an open discussion was held at eye level in which the students presented their concerns confidently and clearly.

The representatives of the city were open to the concerns of the young people and promised to forward them to the relevant places. The financial, democratic and legal limits were also made clear, which a city administration is subject to. Mayor Keupen emphasized the important role of understanding for the functioning of a city administration and encouraged the students to get actively involved.

The new integrated climate protection concept of the city was mentioned as a positive example of future development, which, among other things, provides for strengthening local public transport. Despite the challenges such as a lack of bus drivers, the city's efforts were praised for a sustainable traffic design.

a voice for the future

The event made it clear that the young people in Aachen have an important voice in the design of the future of the city. The open discussion with the mayor and other representatives of the city administration showed that the concerns of the students are taken seriously and can make an important contribution to the further development of Aachen.

- Nag