At the “BestOf24” of the Austrian Rural Youth in the Bregenz Festival Hall, the country’s best rural youth project of 2024 was chosen yesterday evening. Daniel Kirchmayer and Pascal Kitzmüller from the moderator duo 2:tages:bart announced the eagerly awaited winning project for 2024: “International Worlds – Regional Roots” from the rural youth district of Braunau (Upper Austria). Josef Moosbrugger, President of the Austrian Chamber of Agriculture, presented the coveted rural youth award to a cheering atmosphere and praised the enormous commitment of the youth organization.
Urge for action and future-oriented projects – that is the Rural Youth Next Generation!
“Forty successfully implemented projects nationwide were submitted for the project award. Each one is unique, extraordinary and a real driver of innovation for rural areas and regions,” explained the Federal Head Valentina Gutkas.
Federal Head Markus Buchebner added: “5,800 young people worked around 50,000 unpaid hours of work to realize these 40 projects. Every year, rural youth implement over 200 charitable projects as part of ‘Tatort Jugend’ – that is a major contribution to the overall welfare.” The numerous projects were carried out at local, district and state levels. There are no limits to creativity.
Moosbrugger emphasized the value of democracy and peaceful coexistence
LKÖ President Josef Moosbrugger In his speech, he emphasized the great value of rural youth as a community and of each individual member. “While other organizations have shrunk in the crises of recent years, you have not only grown, but have outgrown yourself,” said Moosbrugger, congratulating them on now having over 100,000 members, which he described as an “enormous force in rural areas.”
At the same time, he also emphasized the value of democracy and a peaceful homeland. “It is important to inform yourself and get involved, to critically question fakers and barkers and to always put what unites us before what divides society. With the winning project 2024, the rural youth proves once again that they promote social cohesion and are open to “It’s new, but at the same time you never forget your own roots,” emphasized the LKÖ president, who thanked all rural youth for their great commitment.
Rural Youth Award for integration, community and intercultural cooperation
With the project INTERNATIONAL WORLDS – REGIONAL ROOTS, the rural youth district of Braunau is sending a strong signal for cultural openness and community. From a gourmet adventure trip to a creative recipe card box, with culinary delights from all over the world, to the first rural youth street food festival in Austria, where 14,550 portions were handed out to visitors, the project offered a colorful program that was international and regional Diversity connects. The international educational program included courses on international cuisine, sport, dance, language and customs, including in cooperation with the ZIMT Braunau (Center for Interculturality, Togetherness and Participation). All 29 local groups in the district participated and helped discover international dishes and cultures. Accompanied by the mascot ‘Goosetav’, the international goose, international recipes with regional ingredients were served.
Further program items of the event
In addition to the award for the best rural youth project, several certificates were also awarded in the festival hall. The 29 graduates of this year’s “AufZAQ” certified “Rural Youth Top Official” training received their certificate ceremonially on the big stage.
Furthermore, 22 extremely committed rural youth members from all over Austria were awarded their well-deserved diamond achievement badge for over 1,000 LAZ points (educational hours).
Big thanks go to the sponsors
The “BestOf24” event was kindly supported by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Regions and Water Management, the Federal Chancellery, the Austrian Chamber of Agriculture, the warehouse, Pöttinger Landtechnik, the Austrian Hagelversicherung, the Raiffeisen Club, the Maschinenring and LELY.