TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Legislators and civic organizations called for rapid passage of the Basic Youth Law (青年基本法) at a Legislative Yuan press conference on Tuesday.

The bill, designed to institutionalize youth participation in policymaking, is scheduled for review by the lawmaking body’s Education and Culture Committee on Thursday, per CNA. Supporters say the law aims to mainstream youth concerns into national strategies and empower young people.

DPP Legislator Ngalim Tiunn (張雅琳) argued there was growing global recognition of youth as key contributors to social innovation, climate action, digital transformation, and local governance. “The draft law calls for bottom-up youth policies that allow young people to advise government decisions directly.” 

Chen Yi-jin (陳翊晉) of the Taiwan Youth Association for Democracy, urged the Cabinet, Ministry of Education, and Youth Affairs Council to prepare supporting measures so there would be immediate action once the law, if passed as expected, takes effect. “Coordinated policies are essential for immediate and effective implementation,” Chen said.

The legislation proposes youth-dedicated agencies and formal youth representation councils to embed youth voices from local to national levels. Taiwan’s current youth policies are fragmented, and supporters say unifying them through this law is crucial for addressing areas like climate change and digital innovation.

Since Taiwan faces demographic shifts and economic challenges, advocates view youth empowerment as key to sustaining long-term national vitality and democratic governance. Taiwan’s legal voting age is 20 years old but the new law is expected to reduce this to 18.