Shortly before the European elections, the Dialogue event was aimed at first-time voters without being an election campaign event. Rather, the aim was to try out how well this format can be used to engage with young people on the topic of democracy. In addition to young people 16+, politicians were also invited to this format, which emerged from the cross-mentoring program supported by CSL Innovation. The cross-mentoring program is part of the "Innovation EcoSystem Marburg & Beyond" initiative, which works together with a wide range of partners from the region to create a vibrant innovation ecosystem in Marburg and the surrounding area. Important here: breaking down sectors to bring together people who do not meet in everyday life or on social media.
"Since November last year, we have been building an innovation ecosystem to further improve the quality of life in Marburg and Central Hesse, with a particular focus on the Sustainable Development Goals," said Yukiko Elisabeth Kobayashi. The psychologist and management consultant specializes in the formation of innovative ecosystems and, in cooperation with CSL Innovation, the research and development department of CSL in Marburg, is accompanying the entire program and also moderated the afternoon. "We believe that by working together with citizens and various stakeholders from science, business, politics and culture, we can develop innovative solutions that make our region even more liveable."
Three work programs have now emerged from the cross-mentoring program in Marburg: Fostering Democracy/Political X Change, Affect Change (Listening Cube) and the Talent Harbor Mittelhessen, a program that brings together young talents with different backgrounds and mentors from research, business, teaching and culture.
The "Listening Cube" was developed as part of the "Affect Change" work program. The project, which was also tested for the first time in Marburg on June 7, 2024, aims to promote empathy and mutual understanding in society. It involves two people coming together in a mobile, cube-shaped room to talk openly with each other in a protected setting.
How to – Living democracy
The Hessian Minister President Boris Rhein (CDU) addressed the participants with a video message. In addition to the students, Marburg Mayor Nadine Bernshausen ("Gruene") and Angela Dorn-Rancke ("Gruene"), Vice President of the Hessian State Parliament, were also present. Politicians from Volt and AfD also accepted the invitation to the event.
"Democracy can never be taken for granted. We need it to be able to live in peace and freedom. And democracy needs us to remain strong and vibrant," said Boris Rhein in a video message. "It is important to me that even young people experience that each and every individual can make a difference and make a difference. Democracy works and it works for you." Democracy thrives on exchange, it is about listening to each other and staying in conversation, even and especially when you have different opinions.
Pilot project for collaboration across sectors
Kobayashi emphasized that the event should be seen as a kind of laboratory to try out new ideas and explore ways of working together. If the format proves successful, it would also be transferred to other locations in the region and held elsewhere in the region.
An introduction to the vision of an Innovation Ecosystem in Marburg and the region was followed by a panel discussion with Leon Pelikan, the developer of a free democracy app for young people, and Nadine Bernshausen, the mayor of Marburg.
"We are shortly before the European elections and I am observing occasional European fatigue, disinterest and also rejection. Some people lack the conviction that the European Union is a guarantor of peace for all those who have joined. There are also doubts that Europe is economically beneficial for everyone and brings prosperity or at least maintains the status quo. And I ask myself: 'Why these doubts? Nothing can be taken for granted. You have to actively stand up for democracy and promote it again and again and live certain community values through practical politics: Securing freedom rights, giving and demanding solidarity, creating social equality," said Nadine Bernshausen.
The Political X Change app developed by Leon Pelikan and his friends enables a direct exchange with politicians via chat forums, for example on topics such as education, and has made it to the national final of the "JUGEND GRÜNDET" competition.
"You can tell that young people are sometimes disenchanted with politics," says Leon Pelikan. "And that's where we want to start with our app, because young people should learn early on how democracy works or how I can get involved. There is often a lack of skills, as this is only taught from the 11th/12th grade. You have to start much earlier. Especially because it's a real challenge that social media distorts political opinion and the political landscape through algorithms and influences young people's opinions."
" An open, respectful exchange and diversity are among the most important catalysts for innovation in general and, not least, for scientific progress "
Dr. Lars Groenke, General Manager CSL Innovation
Engage and listen
In small working groups, the young people were also asked, with the support of the politicians, to develop concrete ideas on how they could bring about change, for example in the areas of mobility, nutrition or climate.
"Everyone likes to gripe. The important thing is to turn this grumbling into action," said one pupil during the final feedback round. "It doesn't have to be in a party, there are various organizations you can get involved with. Ask yourself where you can make a difference so that you don't have to gripe any more."
