Empowering Youth: Regional Inclusion And Post-Pandemic Transformation In Europe.pdf

The event highlights the transformative potential of the COVID-19 crisis in addressing societal challenges and fostering positive change, particularly for youth. By leveraging 2022 as the European Year of Youth, there's a push to empower and include young people in decision-making processes, ensuring Europe's future is greener, more inclusive, and digital.

Key Points:

- COVID-19 Impact and Opportunity: The pandemic exposed societal issues, prompting a search for solutions and an opportunity to build a stronger, post-pandemic society.
- European Year of Youth (2022): A platform to give voice to the generation that will shape Europe's future.
- ALMA Initiative: The European Commission's effort to support young people, especially those not in employment, education, or training.
- NextGenerationEU: A significant step towards making Europe equal and focused on green, digital, healthy, strong, and inclusive development.
- Involvement at All Levels: Authorities, private sector, and citizens must collaborate to make youth heard and active in society.

Agenda Highlights:

1. Presentations and Reflections:
- European and regional perspectives on empowering youth during COVID-19.
- Cedefop's role in supporting young people through inclusive, quality VET (Jasna Maric Krajacic).
- Overcoming new barriers to mobility and the role of youth information (Audrey Frith).

2. Good Practices Presentation:
- Tuscany Regional: Bernard Dika shares methods to improve inclusive methods for NEETs.
- Region Västra Götaland: Jonas Abrahamsoon discusses changes in mental health among youth post-COVID.
- Digitális Oktatásért Egyesület (Kornel Tibor): Focus on digital education and youth inclusion.

3. Q&A/Discussion: Exploring ways to involve young people more actively in society and empower them.

Closing: Moderated by Iñigo Araiztegui, emphasizing the importance of youth participation in shaping Europe's future.