This is a free event.
Join our online discussion to explore the hopes, fears and aspirations of young people in five countries in Europe and meet the youth leaders of the next generation.
About the event
Addressing the challenges of youth unemployment, empowerment and opportunity are stated priorities for European countries individually, for the EU and the UK. This is particularly since the Covid-19 pandemic is likely to affect young people more severely in the short- and long-term.
At the British Council, we believe that young people across Europe know better than anyone else about the challenges facing them. Talented young leaders are willing and able to take control of their lives and support others. We believe that working together with younger generations will help them become more resilient in the face of current challenges.
At this event, we will put young people side-by-side with today’s decision-makers to present their recommendations in the areas of youth policy and social engagement and build opportunities that will truly empower them.
Event schedule and speakers (full speaker list to be updated soon)
2.30 -2.55 Introduction
- Christine Wilson, Interim Director, Research & Policy Insight, British Council
Keynote speakers:
- Fabiana Dadone, Italian Minister of Youth
- Thomas Matthew, European Youth Forum
2.55-3.20 Panel one: ‘Voice and participation’
- Robyn Stewart, young leader, UK
- Pietro Gagliardi, Policy Analyst, OECD
- Anne O’Donnell, Consultant Manager Hub na nÓg, Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
3.20-3.43 Panel two: ‘Education and skills’
- Michal Jędrzejczak, young leader, Poland
- Stefania Giannini, Assistant Director General for Education, UNESCO
- Dr Steven Colburn, CHASE DTP Placements and Partnerships Officer, University of Sussex
3.45-4.05 Panel three: ‘Cooperation in an uncertain world’
- Elena Militello, young leader, Italy
- Eva Reina, Director European Youth Information and Counselling Agency (ERYICA)
- Terry Reinke, Member of the European Parliament (MEP)
4.05-4.25 Learning points and final words
Tara Gráinne Ní Chonghaile (Tara Grace Conolly) UN Youth Delegates for Ireland
Andy Mackay, Regional Director EU Region, British Council
About our young leader focus groups
We have held a series of focus groups with a panel of young people from Germany, Ireland, Italy, Poland and the UK. These countries were chosen because they are the focus of British Council Next Generation reports – our global insight series examining youth attitudes and aspirations in different countries. Our youth panellists will bring their discussions and recommendations to the event.
More information on the reports can be found below:
Next Generation Ireland – Northern Ireland
Next Generation Poland (summary – full report to be published summer 2021).
Thanks to our partners
The British Council would like to thank the following organisations for their input to the event: European Youth Forum, ERIYCA, Hub na nÓg, OECD, Office of the Northern Ireland Executive Brussels, UNESCO, Scottish Government EU Office, Welsh Government EU Office.
Who can join this event?
The event is free of charge – simply register using the online form.
It is designed for youth policy practitioners or those with a professional interest in youth policy, based in the UK or a European country. This includes members or representatives of NGOs, youth groups, charities or other organisations; individual young activists or young leaders; or members of government bodies focused on youth engagement, education or employment.
More information
For more information, please contact EURegionalComms@britishcouncil.org.