International Conference Mladost (je) ni norost 2026

Since 2019, the Mladost (je) ni norost conference by Javni zavod Mladi zmaji has brought together people passionate about improving youth mental health - offering space to share knowledge, inspire each other, and grow together. 

This year’s conference will take place in Ljubljana, Slovenia, from November 17th to 20th, 2026. Arrival is scheduled for Wednesday, November 17th, and departure on Friday, November 20th, while the core conference programme will run on November 18th and 19th.

The 2026 conference brings together professionals working with young people to deepen their understanding of neurodiversity and strengthen their everyday practice. It addresses key questions practitioners often face: How do I recognize neurodivergent young people? How should I respond in a supportive and appropriate way? And how can I meaningfully include them in my activities and programmes? 

The conference will feature keynote lectures, skill-based workshops, and creative spaces for exchange. Participants will leave equipped with at least 3 practical tools for their daily work, as well as new connections and inspiration.The conference is fueled with Compassion as one of the key concepts of understanding human relations. 

Aim

The Mladost (je) ni norost 2026 International Conference aims to strengthen the capacity of youth workers and other professionals working with young people to understand, support, and meaningfully include neurodivergent young people in their everyday practice.

Through practical learning, reflection, exchange, and connection, the conference will provide participants with knowledge, concrete tools, and compassionate approaches that can be directly applied in youth work.

Objectives

• Increase participants' understanding of neurodiversity.
• Strengthen participants’ ability to recognize diverse needs, behaviours, communication styles, and ways of experiencing the world.
• Develop practical skills for responding to neurodivergent young people.
• Equip participants with at least three concrete tools, methods, or approaches that they can use in their daily work with young people.
• Explore ways of creating more accessible, flexible, and inclusive activities and programmes.

Who is this for?

We are looking for youth workers, volunteers, students, and other professionals working with young people in youth centres or similar settings, using innovative approaches and willing to share good practices that they are using in their work with other participants. This activity and venue place are accessible to people with disabilities.

All participants should:

• Be over 18 years old.
• Be able to work in English.
• Commit to the full duration of the conference.