Participating in the EU Youth Conference in Ghent

Last updated on Wednesday, 12/03/2025

Between 2-5 March, the 2nd European Youth Conference (EUYC) of the 10th Cycle of the EU Youth Dialogue (EUYD) took place, focusing on Youth Goal #3: Inclusive Societies. Young people had an active role to play.

The EU Youth Conference was hosted by the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU in the historical city of Ghent. The participants included representatives of:

• National Youth Councils (youth delegates);
• Ministries of Education and Youth;
• The European Commission;
• International non-governmental organisations. 

The conference aimed to shape the results from the 1st EUYC that happened in Alicante, Spain (October 2023), into recommendations on how to tackle these challenges. This was done by dividing the participants into 10 working groups, which dealt with 6 topics:

• Change the system – structural barriers to inclusion;
• Health and mental wellbeing – a means to social inclusion;
• Inclusive learning environments – schools and formal education;
• The role of information and social inclusion;
• Inclusive learning environments – non-formal and informal education/youth work;
• Challenging discriminatory attitudes and cultures.

The participants had to come up with implementing measures for each working group! Stay tuned for the conference report to find out more! 

What is the EU Youth Dialogue? 

Inclusion practises

In addition to the working groups, participants also had the opportunity to attend workshops facilitated by local non-governmental organisations, which presented good practices on inclusion. These were meant to inspire their work in the working groups. Some of the inclusion practices were:

• Including young people experiencing poverty and social exclusion in policy;
• Low-threshold support in well-being through leisure and care;
• Improving digital and media literacy in a playful way;
• Female & queer representation.
   

 © Freedom, 2024

A drag queen, the host of the 'Not a Belgian Gala'

Discussions with policy-makers

The participants had the exciting opportunity to discuss their ideas with policymakers from the EU institutions as well as the national and local governments. Through engaging discussions, the policy-makers gave their feedback to the participants on their implementing measures. These will be further discussed and transformed into concrete implementation measures during the 3rd EUYC that will happen in Budapest, Hungary in September.

The entire programme was enriched by a (Not A) Belgian Gala evening on Sunday, where the moderator was, surprisingly, a drag queen. The participants enjoyed some excellent musical and dancing performances. On Monday evening, a 'Belgian style' party featured traditional Belgian food such as fries, waffles, etc., ensuring the event was not only about work for the participants but also fun.
 

 © Freedom, 2024

A male and female dancing, culture show during the 'Not a Belgian Gala'

Would you rather stay at home than be at the conference?

The participants were asked to answer this question: “Would you rather stay at home than be at the conference?” And, of course, each of the respondents answered with a big and loud NO.

Emilia Uljas from Finland (youth delegate) mentioned that the inspiration from people, and the opportunities to meet new and see old friends are the main reasons for her attendance.

Valentin Willame from Belgium (youth delegate) said that for him, getting to know different cultures, sharing experiences, and exchanging information with participants from other EU countries are what matter most.

Jason Zammit from Malta (youth policy manager) pointed out that the diversity of solutions and experiences that each country and youngster brings is what makes the conference valuable.

Radovan Blahút from Czechia (youth delegate) was there to make changes. He said he’s not typically the type to attend such events, but this time, he believes he can effect change not just at the EU level, but locally as well.

Lara Mandić from Croatia (youth delegate) said, “Participating in the conference was extremely beneficial as I had the opportunity to meet various young people from across Europe and hear their perspectives and ideas on inclusion and social justice. I also gained new skills through different workshops and panel discussions and felt inspired to continue working towards promoting equality. Through interaction with colleagues and panellists, I felt motivated to actively engage in bringing about change in my community and contribute to building a more inclusive society for all young people.”

© Freedom, 2024

Celebration of the 10th birthday of the EU Youth Dialogue

Written by Eurodesk Brussels Link