City fails to win euro youth title 2013

The decision was announced at the General Assembly of the European Youth Forum in Kiev last Wednesday.

Speaking from Kiev, SDLP councillor Brenda Stevenson, said: “Obviously we are disappointed to have missed out on this prestigious title.

“Every one of the cities involved has worked tirelessly on behalf of their young people and we look forward to opportunities to work with Maribor in 2013 when the UK’s City of Culture can form a fruitful partnership with the European Youth Capital.

“We should be proud of the city’s achievement in making it to the shortlist of the competition.

“The effort that has gone into the Derry-Londonderry bid has been massive and I would like to thank all the agencies, organisations and individuals who have contributed to the bid.

“As a city we remain committed to creating connections between children and young people, celebrating all that is positive about them, exhibiting youth culture and promoting dialogue among young people and youth work communities. “It’s vitally important that we create space and time for children, young people and youth work communities to explore their dreams and aspirations.

“These ambitions are reflected in the Derry-Londonderry’s City of Culture programme for 2013 which still promises to be a year of hope and celebration for young people.”

European Youth Capital is a title awarded by the European Youth Forum General Assembly to a European city for the period of one year and during which the winning city is given the chance to develop a diverse program related to youth issues. Londonderry submitted its bid on June 10 of this year and was one of just four cities to have made it to the final shortlist of four European cities.

The Londonderry bid was led by Derry City Council and ILEX in partnership with the city’s youth and a range of stakeholders and youth organisations.