Dear Hanna,
I hope my email finds you well.
On behalf of
Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech) and the
eGov4Youth project, we would like to invite the
Estonian Ministry of Social Affairs (Sotsiaalministeerium) to consider joining us as a signatory to the
EGov4Youth Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
While the Ministry has not been directly involved in eGov4Youth from the beginning, we believe there is a particularly meaningful connection between the project's objectives and the Ministry's work in promoting
social inclusion, equal opportunities, the well-being of children and young people, and the participation of different groups in society.
eGov4Youth – Empowering Youth through e-Government: Bridging Engagement and Digital Governance focuses on strengthening young people's participation in public and civic life and exploring how digital solutions can facilitate more meaningful interaction
between young people and public authorities.
An important aspect of the project is ensuring that opportunities for digital participation are
inclusive and accessible to different groups of young people, including those with fewer opportunities and young people who may be more difficult to reach through traditional participation mechanisms.
As the project approaches its conclusion, we would like to ensure that the tools, knowledge, good practices and cooperation network developed through EGov4Youth continue beyond the formal project lifetime.
The purpose of the MoU is therefore to establish a framework for continued cooperation around
active youth participation, inclusive digital governance and civic engagement, while supporting the longer-term uptake and sustainability of eGov4Youth results.
Depending on the Ministry's interests and priorities, cooperation under the MoU may include:
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integration or piloting of the EGOV4YOUTH Platform as a tool for youth consultation, participation and co-creation;
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promotion and use of the EGOV4YOUTH MOOC as an open educational resource for young people, civil servants and other stakeholders;
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joint youth engagement initiatives, including outreach to young people with fewer opportunities and NEETs;
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exchange of good practices, feedback and lessons learned;
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participation in monitoring, evaluation and continuous improvement activities;
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dissemination and follow-up activities within national and European networks; and
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contribution to a broader European alliance on e-governance for youth, connecting public authorities, youth organisations and project partners.
We believe that the Ministry of Social Affairs could bring a particularly valuable social inclusion perspective to the EGov4Youth cooperation network.
Ensuring that young people's voices are heard in public decision-making is not only a question of digitalisation. It is also a question of
equal opportunities, accessibility and social inclusion – particularly for young people who may face social, economic or other barriers to participation.
The Ministry's experience would therefore be highly relevant to the exchange of good practices within EGov4Youth and could help strengthen the project's approach to ensuring that
digital participation reaches not only already active and well-connected young people, but also those whose voices are more difficult to reach.
I would also like to emphasise that the MoU is a non-binding expression of the Parties' intentions and shared commitment to cooperation. It does
not create legally binding obligations, establish a formal partnership or joint venture, or imply any automatic financial obligation for the Ministry.
Any future financial commitments would require a separate written agreement, and either party may terminate the MoU by providing three months' written notice.
The signing of MoUs with relevant Estonian public authorities is also one of the
final KPIs of the eGov4Youth project. Our objective is to establish this cooperation framework with at least
five Estonian public authorities connected to youth empowerment, engagement and participation in public-sector activities.
Considering the Ministry's important role in supporting social inclusion, equal opportunities and the well-being of children, young people and families in Estonia, we would be delighted if the
Ministry of Social Affairs could become one of the Estonian public authorities supporting the continuation and sustainability of eGov4Youth.
Would the Ministry therefore be willing to consider signing the eGov4Youth MoU with TalTech?
As we are currently completing the final stage of the project, we would be extremely grateful to receive your feedback
at your earliest convenience.
We would, of course, be happy to clarify any provisions of the MoU or discuss how the cooperation framework could best reflect the Ministry's role and interests.
Many thanks in advance for considering our invitation.
We sincerely hope that the Ministry of Social Affairs can join us in ensuring that the results and network created through EGov4Youth continue contributing to
meaningful and inclusive youth participation, stronger dialogue between young people and public authorities, and inclusive digital governance in Estonia and across Europe.
EGov4Youth – Empowering Youth through e-Government: Bridging Engagement and Digital Governance
www.egov4youth.eu
Best regards,
Anastasiia Dudko
International cooperation coordinator
Next Gen Research Group
School of IT, Department of Software Science
Tallinn University of Technology
Tel +372 5884 3935
[email protected]
https://egov.ee/
ICT-640