Hugo Huet

You have just been appointed President of the Youth Policy Orientation Council (COJ). Could you tell us what this role entails?

The COJ is currently a little-known entity, but it is set to play a key role in the future. Reporting directly to the Prime Minister, the Council and its 108 members have a dual mission: to assess public policies affecting young people and to act as a credible intermediary to convey their concerns while, if necessary, proposing alternatives. The Council itself, along with its voluntary members drawn from associations, trade unions, and organisations concerned with these issues, serves as a bridge between a political class that is sometimes out of touch with the realities of young people and a youth that is full of ideas but constantly seeking ways to make its voice heard. That is the purpose of the COJ and the mission the Government has entrusted to me.

What topics will the COJ address during your three-year term?

Our body is intended to deal with all aspects of young people's daily lives, whether they live in mainland France or overseas territories, regardless of their circumstances. During the health crisis, the President of the Republic said that it was difficult to be 20 years old in 2020. I belong to this generation and am fully aware of the many challenges facing young people: food, material, and psychological insecurity; difficulties in finding housing both during and after studies; the digital divide, particularly with the development of AI; self-censorship among young people who sometimes do not feel legitimate or capable of dreaming ambitiously; obstacles related to mobility (social, professional, and geographical), and so many other issues. Our roadmap will not be set in stone but will be inspired by the realities young people face, which, by definition, are constantly evolving.

Before this appointment, what was your academic and professional background?

After completing a Bachelor’s degree at Sciences Po on the Reims campus, spending a semester at UCL, and obtaining a law degree at Assas, I am now in my second year of a Master’s in Public Policy, specialising in Public Administration. I also took advantage of a gap year to obtain a Master’s in Political Studies and European Governance from the College of Europe in Bruges.

Alongside my studies, I have had the opportunity to gain experience in diverse professional environments through internships and contractual positions: within the ADP Group (Aéroports de Paris, 2022), in the office of the Prefect of Val-d’Oise (2022), at the Senate (2020–2021), and within the Interministerial Delegation for Youth (2023). I am currently working as an apprentice in the office of the Director-General of the Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations.

Since 2020, I have also been a local councillor, responsible for youth affairs and community engagement in Asnières-sur-Seine, as well as a representative of the departmental network of youth delegates within the Association of Mayors of Hauts-de-Seine.

What motivated you to work alongside your studies?

Being admitted to Sciences Po is often synonymous with strong academic ability. But is that enough to look to the future with confidence today? I don’t think so. Many students choose, either out of necessity or by choice, to accumulate as much practical experience as possible to complement their academic knowledge before entering the job market. That was my choice, and I have been very fortunate to learn alongside professionals who welcomed me.

Since the beginning of my studies, I have sought to gain a variety of professional experiences because I am convinced that they offer a different, more concrete perspective on what we are taught at Sciences Po. One of the great strengths of our institution, unlike many universities, is that it provides the best possible conditions for students who take this path.

How has your training in Public Policy at the School of Public Affairs contributed to your role as President of the COJ?

The courses offered at the School of Public Affairs provide a clear understanding of how the state is organised and functions. This is a real asset when navigating between different ministries and numerous administrative bodies.

I would also say that the diversity of courses at Sciences Po, which allows students to explore new disciplines or themes—sometimes far removed from core subjects—helps me to grasp the wide range of issues specific to youth policies.

Would you have any advice for students?

I would not presume to offer advice to anyone. There are neither successes nor failures when you are a student, only a multitude of possible paths and ambitions to pursue. Every young person has the right to dream, to plan for the future, and to explore. The only condition, in my view, is to give everything to achieve one’s goals.

I believe merit is one of the core values our institution upholds. In France, and particularly at Sciences Po, having the freedom to dream of anything is a privilege—one that every student who walks through its gates should seize.