From the 12th until the 15th of March, OBESSU, represented by our Board Member Alexandra, participated in the EU Youth Conference organised by the Portuguese Presidency of the Council. Despite the Conference taking place online instead of in Vila Nova de Gaia as planned, we can say it was a great experience.
The European Union Youth Conference was hosted by the Portugues Prime Minister of Education and the National Youth Council. The EU Youth 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 of the Portuguese EU Youth Conference was to provide a roadmap for decision-makers, youth organisations and young people to work at local, national and European levels, during the Implementation Phase of the 8th Cycle of the EU Youth Dialogue, so that at the Slovenian EU Youth Conference an evaluation can be undertaken and recommendations can be put forward. The main outcome of the EU Youth Conference in Portugal was a Toolbox of actions, measures and political recommendations to help achieve European Youth Goal #9 and its 7 targets.
Next to socialising with other youth activists from all over Europe, talking to decision makers and bring the voice of School Students to the Conference, Alex was part of the Working Group of the first target of European Youth Goal #9 - ‘’Ensure young people can adequately influence all areas of society and all parts of the decision-making processes, from agenda setting to implementation, monitoring and evaluation through youth-friendly and accessible mechanisms and structures, ensuring that policies respond to the needs of young people’’.
It was a really interesting occasion to share thoughts and strategies with other youth representatives, an opportunity to network and virtually connect with peers.
We want to thank the team of the EU Youth Conference for the immaculate organisation of the conference.
See you in Slovenia (for the next EU Youth Conference)!