Representation
Together even against wind since 1991
Why is representation important?
The Lithuanian Youth Council (LiJOT) is the largest non-governmental youth organization in Lithuania, bringing together 57 national youth organizations, youth work organizations, and municipal youth councils. Lithuanian Liberal Youth (LLY) is also a member of LiJOT and actively participates in its activities.
For many years now, Lithuanian Liberal Youth has been a part of both the European Liberal Youth (LYMEC) and International Federation of Liberal Youth (IFLRY) communities. We are also involved in the Central and Eastern Europe coalition, where we actively cooperate with colleagues from Estonia, Latvia, Poland, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Ukraine, Hungary, and Romania. Since this region shares a common history - many years under the Iron Curtain, Soviet oppression, a struggle for freedom that cost many lives, and other hardships - its political discourse is not always understood or considered important by representatives from other parts of the world. Through cooperation within and beyond the coalition, we aim to lay strong foundations for a liberal and just future for Europe and the world.
Furthermore, membership in these organizations allows us not only to contribute to shaping the international political agenda, but also provides opportunities to grow, learn, and improve. However, arguably the most valuable aspect of international engagement is building relationships with like-minded liberal youth from around the world. We are proud to be part of the European and global liberal community and to contribute to positive change both nationally and internationally.
The 56th LiJOT Assembly
LiJOT
Lithuanian Youth Council
Together with LiJOT and other youth organizations, LLY implemented the #ELECT21 advocacy campaign. Since 2020, advocating that “age is not a limit for reason,” we played a significant role in the amendment of the Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania.
At LiJOT Assemblies, we proposed various positions and resolutions, the most important being those on the legalization of civil partnerships in Lithuania, combating domestic violence, and the reform of drug policy in Lithuania. All of these were approved by member representatives at the Assemblies. LLY also has representatives in LiJOT’s governance and supervisory structures.
IFLRY
International Federation of Liberal Youth
The International Federation of Liberal Youth (IFLRY) is a global umbrella federation of liberal youth organizations, uniting liberal organizations from Europe, Asia, Africa, North and South America. Its core mission and slogan is “globalize freedom.” Major decisions in IFLRY, such as membership and policy adoption, are made at the General Assembly, which is held multiple times a year. IFLRY also runs 12 programs focusing on various pressing topics, such as climate change and women’s leadership - as well as specific regions like Eastern Europe and Latin America, where liberalism still faces many challenges.
IFLRY Training Session 2022: “Open Data and eDemocracy: Bringing Government to the Citizenship”
2022 LYMEC SPRING CONGRESS
LYMEC
European Liberal Youth
European Liberal Youth (LYMEC) is an umbrella organization currently uniting over 50 international liberal organizations from 40 European countries. LYMEC actively cooperates with the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe Party (ALDE) and the liberal Renew Europe group in the European Parliament. LYMEC’s primary decision-making body is the Congress, which takes place twice a year. During the Congresses, elections are held, governance reforms are discussed, and resolutions are debated and adopted. In addition to the Congresses, LYMEC organizes various international events covering a wide range of international political issues. In short, it is a community of young liberals from across Europe aiming to build a liberal Europe and actively address issues affecting our continent and its citizens.