Essen's Youth Forum Zollverein Opens, Empowering 400+ Young People

After 10 years of youth-led projects, Essen's Youth Forum Zollverein opens. Over 400 young people have already made their mark on the city.

, and Administrator

2025 October 30 . 1:15 AM

1 min read

In this image there are group of kids standing and smiling , and there are buildings, water, rocks,... — In this image there are group of kids standing and smiling , and there are buildings, water, rocks, road.

Essen's Youth Forum Zollverein Opens, Empowering 400+ Young People

Essen's Youth Forum Zollverein officially opened on 26 September 2025, marking a significant milestone in the city's commitment to empowering young people. Since 2014, the youth authority and District Council VI, in collaboration with the Zollverein Youth Forum, have enabled youngsters from Schonnebeck, Stoppenberg, and Katernberg to propose ideas and develop projects, successfully realizing 28 initiatives with over 400 youth participating.

The Youth Forum in District VI has been inviting young people since 2014 to bring in their own topics and develop project ideas. Notable projects include the Parkour facility on the UNESCO World Heritage Site Zollverein, which was realized through the youth's proposals. The Youth Forum 2025 offers young people the opportunity to develop new ideas and project groups, building on the success of previous years.

Mayor Thomas Kufen, who opened the Youth Forum Zollverein, thanked everyone involved in making the forum possible. He expressed delight in the Youth Forums' actions, stating, 'The future is what you make of it.'

With over 400 young people participating in recent years and numerous ideas successfully realized, the Youth Forum Zollverein continues to be a driving force for youth engagement and empowerment in Essen. The forum's success is a testament to the city's commitment to fostering young people's creativity and initiative.