The European Commission is hosting the Global Gateway High-Level Youth Event on 9-10 October 2024 in Brussels. This significant event will celebrate the achievements of the EU Youth Agenda, build new partnerships, and connect youth champion networks, showcasing the vital role young people play in shaping the future.
Why Youth Matter
With nearly half of the world’s population under 30 and 90% of young people residing in less developed partner countries, the importance of youth engagement cannot be overstated. By 2030, Africa will represent 20% of the global population, and more than 55% of its population will be under 20. This demographic shift will have profound impacts on global economic and political landscapes in the years ahead.
A well-educated and healthy youth population is the foundation of stable societies and economies. As the world faces immense changes, investing in youth partnerships is a strategic investment in our common future. The Global Gateway High-Level Youth Event will build on these principles and foster collaboration among youth networks worldwide.
A Milestone for the EU Youth Agenda
This event follows the Summit of the Future and celebrates the second anniversary of the Youth Action Plan (YAP). It aims to strengthen the EU’s commitment to youth as strategic partners in external action. The event will highlight the role of youth in shaping EU policies and amplify the voices of young leaders involved in initiatives like the Global Gateway Strategy.
The Youth Sounding Board will play a central role in implementing the Youth Action Plan, providing a platform for young people to actively participate in shaping EU external action. Adopted in 2022, the YAP (2022-2027) empowers youth by offering them the skills and resources needed for green and digital transformations, connecting them to networks of change-makers, and ensuring no one is left behind.
Key Highlights and Agenda
The Global Gateway High-Level Youth Event will feature high-level policymakers and young leaders, offering a platform to showcase successful youth initiatives and reflect on the achievements of the Youth Action Plan. It will also focus on strengthening connections between youth networks engaged in EU external action.
Agenda:
- 9 October (DAY 1): Connecting Youth Sounding Boards and Advisory Structures (By invitation only)
- 10 October (DAY 2): Global Gateway High-Level Youth Event (Open to the public)
- 9:00-9:45: Opening Session
Keynote speech and rapid-fire questions with Commissioner Urpilainen - 9:45-11:00: Youth in Power
Spotlighting young people in decision-making roles and their influence as change agents - 11:00-11:30: Networking Coffee
- 11:30-13:00: Breaking Barriers – Two Years of Implementation of the Youth Action Plan
This panel will explore how the YAP and its flagship initiatives have broken barriers to increase meaningful youth participation, from institutional engagement to youth-friendly funding schemes. - 13:00-14:30: Networking Lunch / Signatures and Announcements
- 14:30-15:45: Global Gateway: What’s in It for Youth?
This session will showcase how the Global Gateway Strategy benefits youth and how young people can become change agents in its investments. It will feature concrete examples tied to fair, green, and digital transitions, inequalities, and education. - 15:45-16:15: Networking Coffee
- 16:15-17:00: Fireside Chat
Peace, Democracy, and Human Rights in Geopolitically Challenging Times – Discussing the importance of an enabling environment for the Global Gateway Strategy. - 17:00-18:00: Closing session | Youth recommendations for next Commission | Discussion
Forward looking recommendations by young people to continue the path initiated by the Youth Action Plan for meaningful youth participation and empowerment in EU external action for sustainable development, equality and peace - 18:00-20:00: Networking Cocktail & Marketplace
Featuring information stands on youth programs, tools, and capacity-building opportunities.
- 9:00-9:45: Opening Session
Registration
Registration for the event on 10 October is now open for both in-person or online participation. The event will be live-streamed, and attendees can choose between virtual or on-site participation. Please note that the European Commission will not cover travel or accommodation costs for on-site participants.
Applications deadline is 15 September 2024.
Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a global conversation about the future of youth leadership and action.
