Call for Practice: European Youth Work Conference 2026 - Creating safe youth spaces where young people can connect, participate, and contribute to their communities

Irelands EU Presidency aims to promote safe spaces for young people, further strengthen youth participation, inclusion and engagement across Europe, reflecting its ongoing commitment to empowering young people as active citizens.

Building on this as part of the EU presidency, Léargas, in partnership with the Department of Education and Youth and other stakeholders, will be hosting a European youth work conference to further develop and discuss the key themes of “Reinforcing the importance of safe, accessible physical youth spaces for young people to come together, engage and connect”. This two-day event will examine through a policy and practice lens how we create safe spaces, both outside and inside, in our communities for young people. It will aim to demonstrate how youth work and other participatory methodologies and practices help and play a role that encourages thinking about taking whole city/town approaches where: 

• Young people are key partners in decisions that impact them and their communities.
• Policies that support their lives as young people.
• Towns and Cities that actively try to keep and attract young people, encompassing a plan for all citizens, with a focus on improving the infrastructure and opportunities for young people, encouraging them to remain in their communities. 
• Design thinking is embedded across society to improve quality of life and participation for and with young people.  

Ultimately, it’s about creating spaces in communities where young people want to live, stay, and contribute.