ID Talks: Intergenerational Solidarity

This series of ID Talks is about intergenerational solidarity/dialogue and youth work. We’ll dive into old and new ways to build constructive dialogue and mutually beneficial interactions between generations.

Introduction

The Treaty on European Union states that ‘The Union ... shall promote ... solidarity between generations’. However, negative attitudes towards certain age groups and demographic trends are dividing European societies. Ageism is creating barriers to real inclusion and participation. These issues not only affect older generations, but also younger ones. 

Intergenerational solidarity has the potential to positively impact economic development by addressing the needs of different generations in a sustainable way, while strengthening both democracy and social cohesion. 

Intergenerational dialogue is becoming central to youth work because demographic shifts, economic pressures and political polarisation influence how generations see their roles in society and how they imagine the future. Youth work is one of the few fields where learning, participation and community-building can be intentionally designed to bring different groups into constructive interaction, also different age groups. Strengthening intergenerational practices in youth work is therefore directly connected to maintaining participation, trust in democratic institutions, social responsibility and community resilience.

In spring 2026, the ID Talks will explore what intergenerational solidarity and intergenerational dialogue are and how youth work can address them. We want to: 

• create space for exchange, 
• explore established and emerging ways of building constructive dialogue between generations, 
• review existing practices and 
• reflect on the role of youth work in fostering positive interactions between individuals and groups of different ages, often shaped by diverse values, beliefs and cultures.

This series will guide participants through the concepts of intergenerational solidarity and intergenerational dialogue — what they mean, why they matter and how they are relevant in today’s societies. The ID Talks will unpack the core elements of intergenerational practices, as well as their potential and limitations.

The series will also address current challenges affecting intergenerational relationships beyond the youth work field and invite participants to reflect through an intersectional lens. The ID Talks aim to inspire youth work to act as a space where respect and dialogue between generations are actively cultivated and sustained.

The “ID Talks” are a series of 5 online workshops on 5 major topics that promote inclusion & diversity (ID) and quality youth work. They feature youth workers, professionals and volunteers from all over the world to share insights, research findings, food for thought, good practices or inspirational stories. They will guide you through the pressing matters and challenges affecting Inclusion and Diversity and inspire you to make your programmes and organisations more inclusive, embrace human differences, look ahead and picture how the future of youth work and Inclusion and Diversity might be. 

Each workshop begins with an input from guest speakers. Afterwards, you have the opportunity to engage in the discussion, ask questions and share about your own realities and experiences.

When? 

Every other Wednesday at 13h-14h30 CET, from 11 February until 8 April 2026. Feel free to have your lunch while attending.

• 11 February (13h-14h30 CET) > ID Talks intergenerational solidarity – What does intergenerational solidarity mean? What are its key elements? What’s in it for different sectors and why is it important for youth work? What other concepts are relevant when unpacking intergenerational solidarity (intergenerational fairness, intergenerational dialogue etc.) and how do they differ and intersect with one another? Let’s discuss a topic that is becoming a priority in European discourse and explore what it means for the EU policy framework and future EU programmes. Guest speaker: Ismael Paez Civico, Confederation of European Senior Expert Services (CESES), Belgium
   
• 25 February (13h-14h30 CET) > ID Talks ageism –  What is age, how is it defined and what does it mean for different generations? How does age intersect with cultural, societal and religious norms, gender and personal traits? What are the common misconceptions and assumptions about different age groups and how do they affect us? We invite you to explore age and power dynamics and discuss how youth work can address existing issues and promote intergenerational understanding and solidarity. Guest speaker: Alice Latta & Juliette Laisné, Belgium
   
• 11 March (13h-14h30 CET) > ID Talks ancestors & offsprings - How are we all connected and why is this important? What is human ecology and how does it relate to intergenerational solidarity? What can we learn from the Earth as an Elder? Why are memories and stories important and how can they help us reflect on existing narratives and reframe societal views? Let’s widen our understanding of age and time in relation to inclusion and social transformation, and explore what youth work can do to deepen young people’s sense of connection and belonging to a greater whole. Guest speaker: Juan Camilo, Iceland 
   
• 25 March (13h-14h30 CET) > ID Talks practice: ‘Grandpa tell me more’ – How can intergenerational dialogue take shape in practice? Why is this topic important for youth work? What does it mean for a youth organisation and its partners? How can we work on this topic and what added value does the international dimension bring? Looking at ‘Grandma, tell me more’, we will learn from a youth-led practice by exploring its key elements, main outcomes and important lessons learned. Guest speaker: Ana Moutas, Psientífica, Portugal
   
• 8 April (13h-14h30 CET) > ID Talks practice: ‘I am blue’ – What is the role of intergenerational dialogue in changing the social narrative around ageing? Why is it important to address ageing and women’s empowerment by involving representatives of different generations? Why is theatre a valuable tool for this work? Through the example of ‘I am blue’, we will explore methods and tips that enrich youth work and intergenerational dialogue for the benefit of the wider community. Guest speaker: Irati Moran, La Chivata Teatro, Spain

For whom?

For you: youth workers, youth leaders, professionals and volunteers involved in inclusion and diversity in the EU youth programmes, as well as all those interested in youth work and inclusion & diversity topics.

Why should you join?

• Get food for thought and learn from inspirational ID stories.
• Learn about ID topics from the youth work sector and beyond.
• Get information, inspiration and methods to help the youth sector address ID.
• Put some more quality in your (international) youth work.
• Identify and learn how to tackle existing and future challenges within ID.

How to register?

Fill in and submit the registration here! 

IMPORTANT NOTE: although there is a deadline, it's always possible to register at any time for the sessions that will still take place.

All registered participants will receive a link to the Zoom meeting a week before each session takes place.

For more info, check here!