Inclusion & Diversity Forum 2026

Background

The Inclusion & Diversity (ID) Forum has become the central European platform for exploring inclusion and diversity in the EU youth programmes. Organised at key moments, the Forum provides a space for reflection, dialogue, and forward-looking vision-setting.

As the 2021-2027 generation of Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps comes to an end, 2026 is a key moment to reflect on what we have achieved and what still needs to improve in the Inclusion & Diversity Strategy. 

At the same time, the Forum will help shape the next generation of EU youth programmes (2028-2034). We will also explore how inclusion and diversity connect to other EU priorities, such as Preparedness and Intergenerational Fairness.

Young people across Europe are facing many challenges -- including mental health struggles, the digital divide, job insecurity, lack of affordable housing, climate anxiety and growing pressure on democratic values. These challenges affect participation, wellbeing and equal opportunities. The Forum will explore how European youth programmes can respond to these realities and contribute to a more just and inclusive society.

After three successful editions, the ID Forum continues to grow, building on the insights, impact, and experience to create a more meaningful, accessible, and inclusive Europe. Once more, drawing inspiration from the ID Roadmap launched in 2021, this year’s theme is 'Maximising Impact'.

How can European youth programmes and projects create meaningful and lasting change in inclusion and diversity?

How can we ensure that our work:

• reaches more young people,
• creates sustainable change in organisations and communities,
• and has long-term impact beyond a single project?

Through keynote inputs, panel discussions, round tables, study visits and co-creation workshops, we will explore practical examples and develop new ideas together.

Find out more about the upcoming and previous editions of the ID Forum at idforum.salto-youth.net.

Aim & Objectives

General aim: To strengthen inclusion and diversity in EU youth programmes by connecting people, sharing knowledge and building cooperation across stakeholders active in the field of inclusion & diversity within the EU youth programmes (Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps). 

Objectives:

• To look back and learn from the current Inclusion & Diversity Strategy and the EU youth programmes (2021-2027) - what worked well and what we can improve.
• To shape the future together by exploring how the next EU youth programmes (2028-2034) can better include and support young people with fewer opportunities, and how the Inclusion & Diversity Strategy can make a real difference in their lives.
• To explore how inclusion and diversity relate to today’s challenges, such as mental health, the digital divide, climate change and threats to democracy, as well as the EU upcoming strategies on Preparedness, Union of Skills and Intergenerational Fairness, and to reflect on how youth programmes can help build a more just and inclusive society.

Approach & Methodology

The Forum will use non-formal education methods, including:

• peer learning and exchange,
• interactive workshops,
• group work and reflection,
• co-creation sessions,
• plenary sessions,
• keynote speakers and panel discussions.
• learning from local inclusive practices,

The programme will build on participants’ experiences and knowledge. You may be invited to actively contribute before or during the Forum by sharing a practice, leading a session or contributing to discussions.

We aim to make the ID Forum itself an example of inclusive practice that you can take back to your own work.

Participants

Who is this for? 

The ID Forum will bring together approximately 150 participants from different roles and backgrounds, including:

• Youth workers, youth leaders and social workers (paid or volunteer) working with young people who experience barriers, in an organisation or informal group
• Activists, community organisers and multipliers connected to youth work
• Policymakers and youth advocates
• Researchers working on inclusion, participation or youth-related topics
• Inclusion & Diversity Officers from National Agencies
• Representatives of youth organisations, European institutions and networks

You are welcome to apply if you:

• have experience in inclusion and diversity in youth work or youth policy, and
• are motivated to learn, contribute and engage with the theme “Maximising Impact”.

We strongly encourage applications from people with lived experience of barriers to participation. This may include social, economic, cultural, geographic or other barriers. Your perspective is essential. The Forum will not be complete without diverse voices and real-life experiences in the room.

Practical Info:

• Duration: 2.5 working days + arrival/departure
• Arrival: 14 September 2026 (before dinner)
• Working days: 15–16 September (full days)
• Departure: 17 September (half working day; departures after lunch)

More detailed programme information is attached to this call. Please note the programme is subject to change.

About the venue: The Pajulahti Sports Centre (Liikuntakeskus Pajulahti) is Finland’s only official Olympic and Paralympic Training Centre. Established in 1929, it has evolved into a hub for elite athletes, sports students, and recreational visitors, offering diverse training facilities and accessibility for para-sports, integrated with the surrounding nature.

Inclusion Measures & Accessibility

We are committed to making the ID Forum accessible and inclusive for all participants.

We aim to provide:

• Support for travel and accommodation according to programme rules
• Reimbursement of additional costs related to accessibility needs (e.g. personal assistants, adapted transport, specific accommodation needs)
• Accessible venue spaces and accessible rooms
• The possibility to bring a personal assistant or accompanying person, when necessary
• Dietary options based on health, religious or ethical needs
• Clear communication before and during the event
• A supportive learning environment based on respect, safer space principles and non-discrimination
• If you have specific accessibility needs (physical, sensory, mental health-related, linguistic or other), you will be invited to indicate them in the application form. The organising team will contact you individually to discuss how we can best support your participation.
• We are committed to confidentiality and respectful handling of all personal information shared.

We explain the measures we take to make this Forum inclusive in ‘additional information’ (see downloads).

Application procedure

You can apply until 19 April 2026, 23:59 CET via the SALTO-Youth platform (click “Apply now”). 

We aim to create a diverse group in terms of experience, background, geography and perspectives. 

All applicants will be informed about the selection results by 5 May 2026 at the latest.

Please note that we usually receive a high number of applications and cannot select everyone.

If you experience difficulties with the registration form or have any questions related to the application or the event, please contact Henrique Gonçalves via henrique@salto-youth.net.