Exchange Forum on the European Youth Work Agenda 2024

The Exchange Forum on the European Youth Work Agenda is the annual residential event for key stakeholders shaping the national processes within the context of the European Youth Work Agenda in their respective European countries.

It is an activity of the Growing Youth Work partnership, a Strategic Cooperation Project of the Network of National Agencies for Youth.

Details

Place and date: 11 - 14 November 2024, Leuven, Belgium - FL
Number of participants: 60 participants

Profile of participants

• Representatives of country’s National Contact Point who are responsible for supporting and managing the national processes;
• Key stakeholders which are shaping youth work development;
• Representatives of the ministries responsible for youth and/or youth work;
• Representatives of the National Agencies for the EU youth programmes.

Aims of the Exchange Forum

• Provide a space for mutual inspiration,
• To offer the chance for exchange and knowledge-building about the progress made on the national processes,
• To shape future co-operation and support.

Methodology

The programme included vast opportunities for exchange, networking, reflection, co-creation, joint planning and exploring of funding opportunities.

During this event, participants have shared their views and perspectives related to national realities and future aspirations. Their main takeaways can be found below:

• Common obstacles include political instability, resistance to change, limited governmental support, and insufficient funding;
• Sustainable systems, including stable and continuous funding, are essential to maintaining quality youth work services and addressing these challenges;
• Aspirations include fostering stronger international collaboration, refining youth policies, and ensuring sustainable development;
• On national level key tools for fostering youth work development include organisation of different events, such as national conferences, youth forums, working group meetings, and workshops;
• Significant milestones include recognizing youth work as a profession, establishing national associations of youth workers, and launching initiatives to improve youth employment and education opportunities;
• Engaging decision-makers in events and adopting a cross-sectoral approach can raise awareness of youth work’s value and enhance its recognition;
• Developing impactful and sustainable partnerships is critical for long-term success and support;
• Existing European-level support mechanisms, such as the Erasmus+ programme, ressourcen of the EU-Council of Europe Youth Partnership, Democracy Reloading, Europe Goes Local, the European Academy on Youth Work, Strategic Cooperation on Education and Training and Growing Youth Work are vital for advancing quality youth work at local, national, and European levels;
• The National Contact Points propose to be involved in the 4th European Youth Work Convention and are willing to contribute to its follow-up including a roadmap.