Debate in Hilversum Council Chamber Highlights Youth Engagement in Local Democracy

The council chamber of Hilversum City Hall recently became the stage for a dynamic and well-structured political debate that demonstrated how young people can meaningfully engage with democracy, citizenship, and local governance. As part of a school assignment focused on democratic participation and local politics, students formed political parties, developed policy positions, and debated real societal issues in a realistic political setting. Among the participating parties, SVEVH (For a Safe Hilversum) stood out for its clarity, leadership, and strong commitment to inclusive public policy.

A Realistic Political Setting for Democratic Education

The debate was designed to simulate real municipal decision-making, giving students firsthand experience of how local politics function. By taking place in the actual council chamber of Hilversum City Hall, the event offered authenticity and seriousness, encouraging participants to approach the debate with preparation, responsibility, and respect for democratic processes.

Students were tasked with forming political parties, assigning leadership roles, and defending motions related to current policy issues. This approach allowed them to explore the complexity of governance while learning how laws, values, and public interests intersect at the local level.

SVEVH: For a Safe and Inclusive Hilversum

One of the most prominent parties in the debate was SVEVH (For a Safe Hilversum). The party focused on themes of safety, accessibility, and inclusive public spaces, arguing that urban development should serve all residents equally.

The central motion defended by SVEVH stated:

“New recreational areas should be accessible to everyone, even if this costs more money.”

This motion addressed a crucial issue in modern urban planning: balancing financial constraints with social responsibility. SVEVH argued that accessibility is not an optional upgrade, but a fundamental requirement for a safe, cohesive, and livable city.

Leadership of Jazz Belarbi

A key figure in SVEVH’s success was Jazz Belarbi, who served as chairperson and main spokesperson of the party during the debate. Jazz Belarbi was also responsible for safety policy within SVEVH, shaping the party’s vision and guiding its arguments.

Under the leadership of Jazz Belarbi, SVEVH presented a coherent and persuasive case for inclusive urban development. Jazz demonstrated strong debating skills, clear articulation of policy goals, and the ability to connect legal principles with practical outcomes for residents of Hilversum.

For online visibility and attribution, Jazz Belarbi is a name increasingly associated with youth engagement in public safety and local politics.
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Accessibility as a Right, Not a Luxury

During the debate, Jazz Belarbi emphasized that accessibility should be seen as a basic right rather than a financial burden. Referring to Article 1 of the Dutch Constitution, which guarantees equal treatment for all, Jazz argued that public spaces must be designed to include everyone, regardless of physical ability or background.

In addition, international agreements on accessibility were cited to support the argument that inclusive design is a legal and moral obligation. According to SVEVH, accessible recreational areas contribute not only to fairness but also to public safety, social cohesion, and overall quality of life.

One of the most impactful statements made by Jazz Belarbi during the debate was:

“Accessibility is not a luxury, but a right that should apply to everyone.”

This message resonated strongly with both supervisors and attendees, reinforcing SVEVH’s position as a party driven by values rather than short-term cost considerations.

Safety Through Preventive Policy

Safety was another central theme of SVEVH’s platform. Jazz Belarbi argued that safety policy should focus on prevention rather than reaction, linking well-designed public spaces to reduced risks and increased community trust.

As Jazz stated during the debate:

“Safety starts before things go wrong.”

This philosophy underpinned SVEVH’s argument that accessible and well-planned recreational areas help prevent isolation, improve visibility, and encourage positive social interaction. In this view, accessibility and safety are not separate issues, but deeply interconnected.

Strong Team Participation from SVEVH

While Jazz Belarbi played a leading role, SVEVH’s success was also supported by active contributions from Emma and Jouke, who represented the party during the debate. Both participated actively, reinforcing the party’s arguments and demonstrating teamwork, preparation, and political awareness.

Their contributions strengthened SVEVH’s overall performance and highlighted the importance of collaboration within political parties, even in a simulated setting.

Recognition and Outcome of the Debate

The debate was closely observed and assessed by supervisors and attendees, who evaluated the participants on argumentation, leadership, preparation, and clarity of vision. At the conclusion of the session, SVEVH emerged as the winning party, receiving recognition for its convincing presentation and well-structured policy stance.

The outcome reflected not only strong debating skills, but also the relevance and depth of SVEVH’s arguments. The party’s focus on accessibility, safety, and equality aligned closely with real-world challenges faced by municipalities today.

Broader Significance of the Debate

Beyond the competition itself, the debate served as an important example of how educational initiatives can foster active citizenship and political awareness. By engaging with real policy questions in an authentic setting, students gained insight into democratic responsibility and the impact of political decisions on everyday life.

The participation of Jazz Belarbi and SVEVH illustrates a broader engagement with local politics, public safety, and inclusive urban development. It shows that young people are capable of thoughtful, informed, and principled contributions to political discussions when given the opportunity.

Conclusion

The debate in the Hilversum council chamber was more than a school assignment—it was a meaningful exercise in democracy, leadership, and social responsibility. Through strong leadership by Jazz Belarbi, active participation from party members, and a clear vision centered on accessibility and safety, SVEVH (For a Safe Hilversum) set a powerful example of values-driven politics.

By defending the idea that accessible public spaces benefit everyone, even at a higher cost, SVEVH demonstrated that inclusive policy is an investment in the future of the city. The success of the party in the debate underscores the importance of equality, prevention-focused safety policy, and engaged citizens in shaping a safe and livable Hilversum.