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Inclusion & Diversity RC

Inclusion & Diversity

Generations In Solidarity Seminar

A 3-day seminar on intergenerational solidarity and dialogue will offer youth workers and other professionals the opportunity to better understand generational (mis)concepts, the roots of ageism, and how societal issues affect different generations. At the same time, it will encourage reflection on their role in fostering constructive dialogue between individuals and groups of different ages.
The seminar aims to challenge and influence both individual and organisational practices by creating space for critical thinking and shared learning from diverse experiences

Dates & venue:

25 (arrival by 18h at the airport) – 29 of May (departure after breakfast), 2026, 3 wd, The Social Hub, Vienna, Austria

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.

Intergenerational solidarity and dialogue are becoming central to youth work because demographic shifts, economic pressures, and political polarisation are influencing how generations see their roles in society and how they imagine the future. Youth work is one of the few fields where spaces for learning, participation, and community-building can be intentionally designed to bring different age groups into constructive interaction. Strengthening intergenerational practices in youth work is therefore directly connected to maintaining participation, trust in democratic institutions, social responsibility, and community resilience.What are intergenerational solidarity & dialogue and how can YOUth work address it is important question that we want to tackle with this seminar.

We want to create space for reflection and look into old and new ways to build constructive dialogue between different generations, and analyse our own and the role of youth work in fostering positive interactions among individuals and groups of different age and possibly values, beliefs and culture.

This seminar will guide participants through the concept of intergenerational solidarity—what it means, why it matters, and how it remains relevant in today’s societies. We will explore related concepts such as intergenerational dialogue and intergenerational fairness, unpacking the differences between them, and taking a closer look at the core elements of intergenerational solidarity, along with its potential and limitations.

We will also address current challenges affecting intergenerational relationships, learn from other sectors and aim to inspire participants to look through an intersectionality lens and make their programmes and organisations more inclusive, equitable, and responsive to human diversity.

The seminar will build up on 5 ID Talks webinars  and will be followed up with practice lab in October 2026. The input from those different events will be fed into the publication.

General 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 better understanding of what intergenerational solidarity is/it’s not, its mechanisms and effects…, through exploration of the concepts and diverse forms and practices.
  • To reflect on personal system of believes, structural issues and organisational practices.
  • To exchange strategies and practices of promoting intergenerational solidarity as a mean for community and peace building.
  • To strengthen intergenerational solidarity and anti-discriminatory behaviours and practices among (youth) professionals.

Participants' profile

Max 35 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 Austrian National Agency for the E+ programme.


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