About us

The Union of Local Youth Councils in Finland (Nuva ry) is a leading expert organization on youth participation. Founded in 1998, Nuva ry supports youth councils across Finland, other similar youth advocacy groups, and young people more broadly. We work to enhance young people’s role in society and expand their opportunities to participate and influence decision-making. Our most important value is the ability of young people to act and influence society. That is why our organization is led by a federal board made up of young members.

The Union of Local Youth Councils in Finland is the only national guardian of youth councils. Youth Councils are statutory in Finland in every municipality and wellbeing services county.

Our vision is a society where youth councils are an established part of the Finnish field of influence. In every municipality and region, youth councils have real influence in preparation, decision-making and monitoring. These means include, among other things, the right to speak and be present in institutions.