Activity objectives

The conference will focus on strengthening youth participation, inclusion, and engagement, and will explore how youth work contributes to the development of communities where young people can actively live, stay, and contribute.
It will:
• Address both policy and practice dimensions of European youth work
• Contribute to implementation of the European Youth Work Agenda (EYWA) and EU Youth Strategy
• Support dialogue between youth workers, policymakers, researchers, and young people
• Prepare stakeholders for future developments, including Erasmus+ post 2027

Description

Access to safe, welcoming youth spaces is essential for the development and wellbeing of young people. However, recent research shows that many young people continue to face challenges in feeling safe, heard, and included in their communities. 

Irelands EU Presidency aims to promote safe spaces for young people, further strengthen youth participation, inclusion and engagement across Europe, reflecting its ongoing commitment to empowering young people as active citizens.

Building on this as part of the EU presidency, Léargas, in partnership with the Department of Education and Youth and other stakeholders, will be hosting a European youth work conference to further develop and discuss the key themes of “Reinforcing the importance of safe, accessible physical youth spaces for young people to come together, engage and connect”. This two-day event will examine through a policy and practice lens how we create safe spaces, both outside and inside, in our communities for young people. It will aim to demonstrate how youth work and other participatory methodologies and practices help and play a role that encourages thinking about taking whole city/town approaches where: 

• Young people are key partners in decisions that impact them and their communities

• Policies that support their lives as young people   

• Towns and Cities that actively try to keep and attract young people, encompassing a plan for all citizens, with a focus on improving the infrastructure and opportunities for young people, encouraging them to remain in their communities. 

• Design thinking is embedded across society to improve quality of life and participation for and with young people.  

Ultimately, it’s about creating spaces in communities where young people want to live, stay, and contribute.