To demonstrate the EU’s commitment to young people on an international scale, on Wednesday 9 and Thursday 10 October, in Brussels, the European Commission organised a high-level event dedicated to youth as part of the Global Gateway strategy, which aims to strengthen sustainable partnerships and promote inclusive development on a global level.
Over the course of the two days, policy-makers and young leaders from different regions of the world involved in various EU-supported programmes and initiatives met to review progress, in particular through the European Union’s first Youth Action Plan (YAP) for external action, covering the period 2022-2027 (YAP).
Adopted in October 2022, the YAP provides a framework for engaging, empowering and connecting young people on a global level. It considers their essential contribution to the ecological and digital transitions, ensuring that every young person can play a role in these transformations on an international scale.
In her speech on 10 October, the European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen, praised the collective achievements since the launch of the action plan. She highlighted that the aim of this plan was to give young people a voice, provide them with the resources they need to bring about lasting change and connect them with each other to amplify their influence.
Ms Urpilainen also mentioned three major achievements of the YAP: the direct involvement of young people in EU policy, notably through the youth advisory councils set up worldwide; the reduction of financial barriers, thanks to the Youth Empowerment Fund, which supports local youth initiatives; and finally, efforts to strengthen connections between young people around the world, creating a network of leaders committed to change.
Jutta Urpilainen believes that the role of young people in transforming our societies cannot be underestimated. As the challenges of climate change and digital transformation loom large, she expressed her confidence in the ability of new generations to lead the transition to a fairer and more sustainable future.
The event was also an opportunity to launch new avenues of international cooperation.
With almost half of the world’s population under the age of 30, 90% of whom live in developing countries, discussions focused on the importance of mobilising young people as strategic partners. Demographic projections show that by 2030, 20% of the world’s population will be African, and more than 55% of Africans will be under the age of 20.
Global economic and political relations will need to better integrate and support young people in global development strategies.
Flagship initiatives such as the Africa-Europe Youth Academy, presented for its role in building the capacities of young people and their role as mediators between Africa and Europe, the Women and Youth in Democratic Engagement programme, which encourages the involvement of young people in political and decision-making processes, and the Youth Empowerment Fund, which provides resources for young people to contribute to the sustainable development of their communities, were all celebrated. (Original version in French by Nithya Paquiry)