Announcement by the Office of the Citizens' Commissioner
The presentation of the survey on "Attitudes and perceptions on citizens' participation in decision-making and active citizenship" and the "Active Minds" Programme took place today, 23 November 2022, at the Presidential Palace.
During his introductory intervention, the Commissioner for Citizens, Mr. Panagiotis Sentonas, among others, underlined: "The research will be used for the development of the National Strategy for Active Citizenship and Participatory Governance. The Strategy sets the policy framework, vision, objectives and priorities in relation to meaningful citizen participation in decision-making. Also based on the findings is the 'Active Minds' Programme, which aims to foster the knowledge, skills and attitudes that will strengthen citizens' active participation in public life".
Ms Ioanna Fiacou, President of the National Betting Authority, which supports the implementation of the 'Active Minds' Programme, noted in her welcome address that "synergies such as the one with the Commissioner for Citizens for the implementation of the 'Active Minds' Programme contribute to the Authority's strategic objective of protecting and empowering society as a whole and to the indirect prevention of problematic behaviours and the development of protective factors in young people. Through the programme and the educational themes, young people will develop skills of exceptional importance for today's society and understand the importance of active citizenship for their personal progress. We are confident that 'Active Minds' will be embraced by civil society and will contribute to the creation of tomorrow's active citizens of a sustainable and resilient society."
In his own introductory intervention, Professor Constantinos N. Fellas, Senior Vice Rector of the University of Nicosia, said: "The research comes to shed light with validity and scientific documentation on the role of social partners and especially the contribution of young people in the shaping of socio-political events. Through the presentation of the results, we will see that citizens are invited to play an active role in building a healthy democratic society, developing skills and attitudes of active citizenship.
The main findings of the survey were presented by Dr. Alexandros Antonaras, Vice President of Student Services and Associate Professor of the School of Business at the University of Nicosia, which can be summarized as follows.
However, their perceptions regarding the existence of encouraging prospects for young people in Cyprus are problematic, as the degree of agreement with the statement is close to the average (4.93/10), while only 4% rate the statement as 9 or 10/10, while only 4% rate the statement as 9 or 10/10.
Regarding their information habits, young people seem to make use of digital media.
Their main leisure activities include spending time with family and friends, playing sports, and using the internet and social media.
The concept of active citizenship, according to young people, cannot be defined through a one-dimensional approach, but includes a patchwork of characteristics and competences. In other words, it resembles an elaborate mosaic.
According to young people, the main characteristics of active citizenship are participation in public life, volunteering and participation in electoral processes.
In addition to the basic characteristics, other aspects that make up the concept of active citizenship are related to sociability, creativity, information, sensitivity to society and the environment, and taking initiatives.
Only ¼ of young people have been involved in civil society organisations in the last 12 months. The organisations with the highest participation rates relate to environmental protection (27%), activities for children and adolescents (19%) and human rights and social justice (18%).
Lack of time is the reason for the majority (55%) of young people who have not participated in voluntary groups.
[*]Regarding their degree of identification with characteristics of active citizens, the highest levels of identification were recorded in the parameters related to paying social debts (paying taxes 4.74/5), protecting the environment (4.56/5), and participation in electoral processes (voting in elections 4.13/5).
(MB/SX)
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