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Future Dialogue Part 10: Conclusion with a Focus on Youth and VolunteeringOn June 25, 2025, the “Future Dialogue” of the citizens’ initiative Burgenlandkreis – The Structural Change Optimizers – took place at the Burtschützer Hof. The final contribution came from Fatina Siwczak, who in her presentation addressed the topic of youth participation and volunteering, while also providing an overall summary of all previously discussed themes. Youth in Focus – Opportunities and ChallengesAt the beginning, Siwczak outlined the current situation of young people in the Burgenlandkreis: around 20.8% of the population is under 25. Demographic change and limited career opportunities, however, mean that many young people leave the region after finishing school. Only a small share leaves voluntarily – the majority are forced to move due to the lack of training and job opportunities.Studies show: those who were integrated into clubs or volunteering structures are far more likely to return to their home region. This highlights how crucial participation, self-efficacy, and a strong club culture are for binding young people to their home region. At the same time, Siwczak presented data from the “Participation Atlas”: the Burgenlandkreis ranks in Class 8 – i.e., in the lower ranges compared to the rest of the country. One positive note, however, is the solid preschool childcare situation. Problems, on the other hand, exist in youth unemployment (7.2%), child poverty (11.5%), accessibility of leisure activities, and broadband coverage. Future Industries and Education as KeyA central concern was the question of how to make the region more attractive for young people. Siwczak pointed to the opportunity of actively attracting startups and new industries – in areas such as circular economy, green architecture, health and care professions, or digital fields of work.One example: an innovative company that produces synthesis gas from plastic waste using a plasma reactor could be perfectly integrated into the region’s existing chemical industry. The region has space, infrastructure, and human potential – but it needs more visibility and proactive outreach to such companies. The trades could also benefit if businesses, by joining forces in machine cooperatives, ensured modern training standards. The combination of regional resources, new training models, and trending professions offers real opportunities to bind young people to the region long term. Volunteering as the Backbone of SocietyAnother focal point was volunteering. In the Burgenlandkreis, more than 40% of people in rural areas are engaged in volunteer work – a high figure, but one threatened by aging structures, lack of visibility, and organizational hurdles.Siwczak argued that structural change funds should be specifically used to create central support structures for associations. Digital presence, modern club formats (e.g., e-sports or mobility clubs), as well as low-barrier offers for young people and people with disabilities are crucial to making club life fit for the future. She also called for greater appreciation of volunteer work – for example, through free access to leisure facilities instead of token discount campaigns. Ideas such as combined tickets for zoos, cinemas, and gastronomy could benefit both volunteers and tourism alike. Structural Change as a Comprehensive ConceptIn conclusion, Siwczak stressed that structural change cannot consist of isolated projects, but must be understood as an overall concept. The region possesses strong resources – from good transport connections and winegrowing climate to post-mining landscapes and cultural heritage. If these are smartly linked, made visible, and integrated into sustainable concepts, Burgenlandkreis can achieve a genuine image shift and counteract depopulation.“It’s about thinking bigger and bringing together existing potential – from renewable energy through agriculture to education, volunteering, and tourism,” said Siwczak. Thanks and OutlookAt the end of the event, the initiative thanked all speakers, helpers, and guests. The venue was the Burtschützer Hof, where the event concluded in a warm, community atmosphere.The ideas presented can serve as the foundation for a comprehensive concept of structural change in the Burgenlandkreis. Author: AI-Translation - АИИ | |
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