EEE-YFU nominates Sina riz à Porta for Board Member of the European Youth Forum

About me

I have devoted my time and energy to youth interests for over a decade. In my journey with EEE-YFU, as well as in human rights advocacy and climate activism, youth work is my home and I am passionate about maintaining this vibrant community for those who are around me and those who will come after me. My time living in Switzerland, Belgium, Israel, France and Ireland as well as working with young students, volunteers, activists and so much more have taught me the importance of being inclusive to all and recognising the differences that make us stronger as a whole. With my extensive experience in mobility, volunteerism, non-formal education, leadership, activism, human rights and intercultural learning, I believe that I can make a difference as a board member of the European Youth Forum. I would be honoured to continue my advocacy for youth rights and participation by using my knowledge and skills in this essential position and look forward to hearing from you to discuss your priorities for the YFJ.

More about my background and experience in the youth space

2011/12
At 16, Youth for Understanding (YFU) Switzerland gives me the opportunity to go on a year-long exchange in Flanders, Belgium. The experience sparks my interest in mobility and intercultural learning.

2012
Immediately after my return, I become a volunteer for YFU and quickly take over more and more responsibility. I coordinate volunteer efforts, find and accompany host families and most importantly, support Swiss and international youth during their exchange journeys. I become passionate about Non Formal Education (NFE), youth leadership and volunteerism at large.

2017
Pushed by my studies in anthropology, political science, geography and sustainable development, I start a process of research and awareness-building on the climate crisis. Putting into practice what I have learned, I commit to improving my own impact by going vegan and drastically reducing air travel. At the same time, I become an NFE trainer for YFU in Switzerland and at the European level.

2018
I join Amnesty Youth as a human rights activist, organising and participating in letter writing efforts, public protests and political campaigns in Switzerland for both youth and other human rights.

2019/20
I begin to participate in youth activism for the climate in Switzerland and Germany.

2020/21
I intern at Amnesty International Switzerland where I co-coordinate their youth work division. I support Amnesty Youth activist groups across the country and bring human rights topics to thousands of Amnesty Youth members. I work specifically on youth rights, contribute to Amnesty Switzerland’s internal inclusivity efforts and push for fairer working conditions for interns.

2023
After contributing to the 2022 edition of the EEE-YFU’s Youth Empowerment Seminar (YES), I take on a larger role in the core organising team for 2023, focusing the event on youth mental resilience. In June, over 400 exchange students and volunteers come together to discuss this essential topic and put their energy into creating spaces which foster mental wellbeing. It becomes one of the most successful themes the YES has ever had.

2024
Over a decade into my journey with EEE-YFU and youth work, I am a globally active volunteer with extensive experience in youth mobility, leadership, activism, human rights and intercultural learning. After joining the European Youth Forum as a delegate, I hope to continue my advocacy for youth rights and participation by using my knowledge and skills as a board member.

Adopting a data-driven approach to inclusivity
Building on previous internal inclusivity efforts such as the gender watch, it is time to gather more data about the diversity of our membership as well as the obstacles youth may face in making their voices heard in the YFJ.

Collaborating across national and EU borders
All European youth (EU and non-EU residents) need to be empowered to stand up for their rights on the local, national and supranational level. The paths to civic participation however vary widely across Europe. The Youth Forum should continue to address these differences by setting a global standard for youth-led advocacy and bringing in innovative visions on how to reach and mobilise youth everywhere.

Engaging in dialogue with the breadth of youth movements
As evidenced by the scale of climate activism, youth engage with civic issues in diverse ways, many of them outside of established structures. By seeking an open exchange the YFJ can continue to learn from and represent all young people across Europe.

Highlighting the importance of mobility within the YFJ
As the near-unanimous vote on the recent motion on visas has shown, mobility is a topic that is important to the vast majority of members and one that is essential to most activities of the YFJ. Recognising this importance, the Youth Forum needs to reassess how to best support members with mobility-related challenges, e.g. by bringing back the mobility portfolio.

Reducing barriers to mobility
The differences in access to mobility are unfortunately still stark among youth of different origins in Europe. To make the benefits of mobility available to all, the YFJ needs to continue to address barriers such as immigration procedures, and the lack of financial or structural support.

Facilitating the recognition of studying, working and volunteering abroad
Mobility presents opportunities for non-formal learning and increased global competencies. Highlighting these inherent benefits, the Youth Forum should work towards improved recognition of various types of mobilities, especially those outside the bounds of established educational institutions.

Building Resilience in the YFJ
Those who care the most are often at risk of burning out. Building on previous efforts on safeguarding and inclusivity, the YFJ needs to strive to be an environment in which participation and mental well-being are not only compatible but mutually beneficial.

Supporting Mental Wellbeing in our MOs
The Youth Forum is uniquely positioned to gather data about mental well-being in youth organisations, particularly those based on volunteerism. The YFJ must take advantage of this access to enhance understanding of the particular mental health challenges highly engaged youth face and use this knowledge to support MOs in creating the best possible conditions for their members.

Advocating for Youth Access to Mental Health Services
According to the European Commission’s 2022 Health at a Glance report, almost one in two young Europeans have mental healthcare needs that are not being met. The Youth Forum needs to continue lobbying to ensure that this growing demand for mental health support is met, particularly for those young people who face additional barriers due to precariousness or poverty.

EEE-YFU nominates Sina riz à Porta for Board Member of the European Youth Forum

"The Youth Forum is our platform to participate, advocate for our rights and actively create the Europe we all want to live in. I can’t imagine a worthier cause to dedicate myself to."

About me

More about my background and experience in the youth space

My Priorities

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