Torfaen's UK Youth Parliament member Rae Carter joined more than 200 MYPs at an annual conference this week.
The three-day event, in Hull, brought together young representatives from across the UK to discuss key issues affecting young people, and develop the skills needed to represent the views of their constituents.
Rae, who is also a member of the Torfaen Youth Forum, attended alongside five other MYPs from Wales, giving young people from Wales a strong voice at the national event.
Throughout the conference, delegates took part in workshops, debates and training sessions focused on leadership, democracy, campaigning and youth participation.
The event provided an opportunity for young people to exchange ideas, build networks and learn from one another while helping to shape future UK Youth Parliament priorities.
Rae Carter age 15 said: " It’s a great opportunity that I think every young person should have the chance to do."
Philip Wilson, the council's Children and Young People's Engagement & Participation Officer, said: "We are incredibly proud of Rae for representing Torfaen at this year's UK Youth Parliament Annual Conference. Opportunities like this allow young people to develop their leadership skills, build confidence and ensure the voices of young people from Torfaen are heard on a national stage.
"Rae's participation demonstrates the positive impact young people can have when they are given the opportunity to get involved in decision-making."
Frances Hoey, Development Officer for the Children in Wales organisation, said: “UKYP conference is a great opportunity for Welsh members to meet and learn from other inspiring young people from around the UK.
"Coming together to share their passion of the importance of youth voice in politics. I’m really proud of our Welsh MYPs for all their fantastic engagement throughout the Annual Conference and look forward to see what they achieve in their terms.”
Leigh Middleton OBE, Chief Executive officer for the National Youth Agency, added: “Conference is an incredible opportunity for over 200 highly motivated young people to come together to discuss and engage on key topics that are important to young people today. If this is the next generation of politicians, we are in safe hands.”
The UK Youth Parliament provides young people with an opportunity to influence decisions, campaign on issues that matter to them and represent the views of young people in their local areas.
The Annual Conference is a key event in the UK Youth Parliament calendar, bringing together young representatives from across the country to strengthen youth voice and democratic participation.
Torfaen continues to support young people to get involved in decision-making through initiatives including the UK Youth Parliament, Torfaen Youth Forum and a range of participation opportunities that help young people influence services and policies that affect their lives.