Generation Lab - practice lab on intergenerational solidarity and dialogue

Dates & venue:

26 (arrival by 18h at the airport) – 30 of October (departure after breakfast), 2026, 3 working days, Malta

Theme:

To address the topic of (cultural) diversity, SALTO Inclusion & Diversity RC, in cooperation with the Network of the National Agencies of the Erasmus+: Youth in Action and European Solidarity Corps programmes, has planned 3 thematic “Embracing diversity” cycles, each covering a period of 2 years. After closing the cycles on anti-racism and interfaith dialogue, in 2026 we start addressing the topic of intergenerational solidarity and dialogue. 

The Treaty on European Union states that ‘The Union ... shall promote ... solidarity between generations’.

However, ageism, negative attitudes towards certain age groups, and demographic trends paired with multiple crises are dividing European societies and creating barriers to real inclusion and participation. These issues affect not only older generations but will also affect today’s younger generations in the future. At the same time, intergenerational solidarity and positive influences on economic development would cover the needs of different generations in a sustainable way, strengthening both democracy and social cohesion.

What is intergenerational solidarity and how can YOUth work address it is important question that we want to tackle with this practice lab.

We aim to create a space for reflection and explore both “traditional” and innovative ways of building constructive dialogue between generations. This includes analysing our own perspectives, as well as the role of youth work in fostering positive interactions among individuals and groups of different ages, values, beliefs, and cultural backgrounds.

This practice lab will encourage participants to examine diverse approaches to intergenerational solidarity, community building, and volunteering, while experimenting with new ideas and possibilities.

Throughout the activity, we will place existing practices under the magnifying glass: dissecting and critically examining them, discussing the challenges and resources present in our work. This process will help us identify the underlying elements of intergenerational solidarity—its potential and limitations, as well as its value and relevance for young people in the participating countries today.

Together, we will address pressing issues and challenges impacting intergenerational solidarity and explore both what already exists and what is still needed to make our programmes and organisations more inclusive and embracing of human differences.

The practice lab will build up on 5 ID Talks webinars and "Generations in Solidarity" seminar in Austria, May 2026. The input from those different events will be fed into the publication.

Aim of the intergenerational solidarity cycle 

To develop youth professionals 'diversity management’ skills in order to create bridges between different communities, empower young people to engage with age diversity and create better opportunities for people faced with or at risk of age discrimination..

Objectives:

• To gain a deeper understanding of intergenerational solidarity, as a tool for youth work by exploring various approaches and practices from participating countries.
• To analyse and rethink existing practices in order to develop new, more effective ones.
• To find inspiration and reflect on our own systems of beliefs, values, policies, and organisational practices.
• To exchange experiences, explore challenges, and share diverse ways of promoting intergenerational solidarity as a means of bridging different age groups and communities.
• To strengthen intergenerational solidarity and promote anti-discriminatory behaviours and practices among youth professionals.

Participants' profile

Max 30 young people and professionals working directly with young people on a regular basis. This includes youth workers, youth leaders, teachers, coaches, social and health workers, employment officers…

• Participants who work with young people with fewer opportunities and/or mixed generational groups, will be given priority.
• Interested in developing their diversity management skills and intergenerational practices.
• International experience is not a must. 
• Able to work in (international) English.
• From E+: YiA Programme & Partner countries 

Team

Seminar is co-organised by SALTO Inclusion & Diversity and the Maltese National Agency for the E+ programme, with the support of the Irish NA.

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