Youngsters from across the North East and Cumbria have united in their first ever political summit.

Youth councillors and Members of Youth Parliament (MYPs) from ten local authorities gathered to discuss current issues that are important to the region’s young people.

Designed and hosted by youth councillors and MYPs from County Durham, supported by Durham County Council, discussions were driven by the results of a recent Have Your Say ballot.

This saw 29,383 young people take part in a regional survey, giving their views on what issues and priorities are relevant to today’s generation.

The conference saw a powerful turnout of youth delegations from across the region, with MYPs and youth councillors traveling from County Durham, Sunderland, Northumberland, Newcastle, Darlington, Hartlepool, North Tyneside, Stockton-on-Tees, South Tyneside and Cumberland.

Cllr Cathy Hunt, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for children and young people’s services, said: “The Have Your Say ballot gave us a mandate to build on, but what we saw at this conference was pure leadership in action.

“Our youth council did an incredible job in hosting and managing the event, proving that young people are not just the future leaders of our region – they are leading it right now.

“By bringing North East and Cumbrian authorities together, these young people are working collaboratively and generating new ideas.”

In an energetic, day-long workshop, youth politicians pitched practical solutions in response to the priorities highlighted in the ballot. These include:

  • Introducing youth-led peer monitoring and support networks within schools and communities.
  • Proposals for a Regional Reward App; connecting local businesses, youth services, and real-time job openings to boost opportunities.
  • Reviewing the current education curriculum and career offers to ensure they are fit for the modern world.
  • Prioritising more accessible transport services alongside a push for higher-quality work experience, apprenticeships, and clear progression routes into work.

The finale of the democratic summit saw the room go head-to-head in a live debate to vote on the region’s main priority for the coming year.

While poverty and job prospects were hard-fought topics, the room collectively voted for health and wellbeing to be the focus for the group’s 2026/2027 regional manifesto.

Campaigns which support the health and wellbeing agenda will be drafted at the next regional conference, which will be hosted by Northumberland in October.

Makayla Harwood, a 14-year-old youth councillor and MYP for County Durham, said: “It was so exciting to see everyone from different areas sitting in the same room and realising we want the exact same things. We also proved that we do not need adults to speak for us as we can take the lead ourselves.

“Getting to form these relationships with MYPs from all over the region means we are not just isolated towns anymore; we are one massive voice. This summit has given us the platform to create real opportunities which we can put forward to decision-makers.”