Eurodesk participated in the EU Youth Conference organised by the Portuguese Presidency of the Council of the EU, from March 12th to 15th. This conference was part of the 8th Cycle of the EU Youth Dialogue that focuses on Youth Goal #9 "Space and Participation for All", under the motto "Europe for YOUth - YOUth for Europe: Space for Democracy and Participation".
The main goal was to provide a roadmap for decision-makers, youth organisations and young people to work at local, national and European levels. The participants discussed the outcomes of the national consultations that took place from October 2020 to February 2021 with over 10.000 young people engaged by 27 National Working Groups. The main outcome of the Conference will be a Toolbox of actions, measures and political recommendations to help achieve European Youth Goal #9 and its 7 targets.
Among the recommendations provided were mentioned the need to reinforce partnerships between formal and non-formal education providers in schools to tackle topics such as civic education and media and information literacy, to ensure safe and open digital environments for young people and provide quality and youth-friendly information services, to secure sustainable funding to youth organisations, etc.
An innovative element of the conference was the 48h EU Youth Digital Hackathon «SOLVE THE GAP». Young developers, social innovators and youth participation enthusiasts, organised in teams, were challenged to propose in 48 hours a digital tool aiming at boosting young people’s participation. The winning project, the “Youth Policy Hub” by the European Youth Energy Network, will receive a 10.000 EUR prize to develop the tool.
Audrey Frith, Eurodesk Director, was a jury member of the EU Youth Digital Hackathon. “Young teams proposed amazing digital solutions to bridge the gap between decision-makers and young people, at local, national and European level - in 48 hours!” The results were tight between the top 5 projects. Young people proved their willingness and capacity to contribute to policy discussions, when meaningful spaces are offered for them. The Hackathon received the European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, Mariya Gabriel patronage.
More about:
Winning project - https://youtu.be/RjxLOCMWYRg
EU Youth Conference - https://youth2021portugal.eu/
EU Youth Goals - https://europa.eu/youth/strategy/european-youth-goals_en
EU Youth Dialogue - https://vimeo.com/521610731/f700db4b11
Portuguese EU Presidency - https://youth2021portugal.eu/
