The Ministry of Youth and Sport is launching the second “National Capital of Youth” contest, Info-Prim Neo reports. “The contest is open to the local public authorities of the first level, except for the municipality of Chisinau and Ungheni town. The latter won the previous contest. Last year, the municipality of Balti could not take part in the competition, but was allowed this year at the insistence of the municipal authorities,” the head of the Ministry’s Youth Programs Division Ion Donea told a news conference. The settlement that will be named the “National Capital of Youth 2012” will carry out activities aimed at increasing young people’s participation in decision making and in promoting and developing youth policies, at informing the young people about the cultural, educational and entrepreneurial development possibilities and at establishing regional partnerships in the area of youth policies. “In order to take part in the contest, the local administration must submit a file consisting of the application form and a written proof that the public institutions will provide assistance, including financial, in carrying out the planned activities. The deadline for applications is November 10,” said Ion Donea. The Ministry of Youth and Sport will contribute about 30% of the financing needed to implement the activities. “It is not a fixed sum. We also offer equipment and human resources as there is a shortage of specialists in the area of youth at local level as well as buildings where to perform the activities,” said Ion Donea. The Ministry does not oblige the local authorities to organize certain types of activities. “Last year, there were filed five applications, including by a village. This year, we expect more applications as during the first edition of the contest the local authorities were not adequately informed and we told them what to do,” said the official. The “National Capital of Youth” contest represents an initiative from the experience of the European Youth Forum. During a year, the youth activities of the local public authorities, regional and national NGOs, international organizations and of the Ministry of Youth and Sport are concentrated in the winning settlement.