KA2 stakeholder conference KA2NOW

Description

The conference will bring together experienced KA2 project promoters, National Agencies, researchers and policy-makers from across Europe to explore how KA2 projects contribute to youth work, youth policy and wider societal change.

KA2NOW is an interactive European exchange and learning space for sharing inspiring practices, fostering strategic dialogue and networking, and generating input for the future Erasmus+ programme. Through workshops, discussions and reflection, participants will explore the long-term value and strategic potential of KA2 projects in addressing current European challenges.

The event takes place at a key moment for Erasmus+. As the current programme period moves towards its final years, discussions on the next programme starting in 2028 are already underway at European level. KA2NOW aims to support these discussions by bringing together experiences and recommendations from the field.

Objectives

• Networking between organisations that implement KA2 projects
• Disseminating and showcasing best KA2 project outcomes
• Highlighting KA2 impact on different levels
• Develop experience-based input to the new Erasmus+ programme

The conference will focus especially on:

• the strategic and systemic impact of KA2 projects;
• quality, sustainability and long-term use of KA2 outcomes;
• the contribution of KA2 to youth work, youth participation and youth policy development as well as cross-sectoral cooperation and learning for youth;
• cooperation between organisations, sectors and countries;
• and the future role of KA2 within the next Erasmus+ programme.

Participants as active contributors

We invite participants to actively contribute to the programme and collective learning process. In the application form, participants will have the opportunity to propose ideas and contributions connected to their KA2 experience and expertise.

You may wish to:

• facilitate a showcase workshop or practice-sharing session;
• present a KA2 outcome, method, tool or learning approach in the marketplace;
• host or co-host a roundtable discussion on a strategic challenge, dilemma or future perspective related to KA2;
• contribute to discussions on impact, sustainability, policy relevance or future programme development;
• or act as a “critical friend” bringing reflections and questions from your own national or thematic perspective.

We especially encourage contributions that:

• demonstrate strategic or systemic impact;
• connect local realities with European priorities;
• share lessons learned, including challenges and failures;
• and inspire cooperation, sustainability and wider use of KA2 outcomes.

During the event, all participants will engage with:

• reflections based on the mapping of KA2 projects implemented between 2021–2025;
• workshops and a marketplace of inspiring KA2 practices;
• peer-learning linked to KA2 quality criteria;
• discussions on impact, monitoring and sustainability;
• and collaborative work on recommendations for the future generation of KA2.

The conference will also create strong opportunities for networking and partnership-building between experienced KA2 beneficiaries, National Agencies, European networks and policy-level stakeholders. 

Methods and methodology

KA2NOW is designed as a participatory and practice-oriented conference combining strategic reflection, peer learning, policy dialogue and experiential exchange.

The methodology includes:

• roundtables and peer-learning workshops;
• KA2 marketplace and best practice showcases;
• thematic discussions linked to Erasmus+ priorities and the European Youth Work Agenda;
• networking and partnership-building activities;
• evidence collection and reflection on KA2 impact and sustainability;
• collaborative recommendation-building for the future Erasmus+ programme;
• and elements of “action research”, including participant reflections, mapping analysis and knowledge harvesting during the event itself.

The conference aims to create a balanced space where practitioners, National Agencies and policy-makers can jointly reflect on:

• what makes KA2 projects meaningful and strategic;
• how KA2 outcomes can create wider impact beyond individual organisations;
• and what future programme structures and support mechanisms are needed to strengthen the quality and relevance of cooperation partnerships in Europe.

Who is the event for?

KA2NOW will bring together approximately 100–150 participants from across Europe.

The conference is mainly aimed at:

• organisations that have implemented Erasmus+ KA2 cooperation partnerships or small-scale partnerships;
• experienced KA2 project coordinators and partners;
• organisations with strong KA2 practices, innovative approaches or strategic impact;
• National Agency staff working with KA2 and Erasmus+ youth cooperation;
• representatives of ministries, European institutions and policy-level stakeholders involved in the future Erasmus+ programme;
• European youth networks and umbrella organisations;
• researchers and experts connected to youth work, cooperation partnerships and programme impact.

Moderators of the conference are Snezana Baclija Knoch and Laimonas Ragauskas. 

Selected participants are invited to indicate any specific accessibility or support needs at later stage after receiving confirmation from the National Agency.
Participants are staying in single rooms. We respect the diets and food allergies of all participants.

Participants are expected to arrive by the evening of November 9 (before dinner) and depart on November 12 (there are optional sessions in the morning). Daily schedule is attached, you can download it below.