EUYD10 EU Youth Conference in Alicante

Aims & objectives

The EU Youth Conferences serve as a crucial platform for addressing the intricate challenges faced by young Europeans and foster dialogue between young people and decision-makers around these challenges. The conference aimed to serve as a major consultation event, addressing barriers, support structures, necessary changes in the realm of inclusion, as well as contributions by the youth field.

Target group & international/intercultural composition of the group & team

The event gathered together around 200 participants composed by:
- young people aged 16 to 30 years old from EU countries
- young people representing youth councils at national level in their countries
- young people representing youth councils at national level in their countries outside the EU
- decision-makers within the EU countries
- Delegates from third sector organisations
- Experts on specific topics related to the field of inclusion

Training methods used & main activities

I designed the methodology of the working group sessions of the Conference based on non-formal education, including the following:
- Group discussions
- Individual and group reflection
- Safe space creation

Besides, I led plenary sessions using the following:
- Big-group engagement methods
- Asynchronous participation
- Digital engagement tools

Outcomes of the activity

The Conference aimed to address specific Youth Goal 3 issues: barriers, support, and changes needed about inclusion policies affecting youth across Europe.
Participants, aided by a web-based application, contributed written outcomes to inform the EUYD10
consultation phase report, thus shaping the overall EUYD10 outcomes, while engaging in discussions about inclusion policies and barriers.

Your tasks and responsibilities within the team

My tasks as national co-facilitator in the Conference included:
- Moderated and facilitated sessions in cooperation with a co-facilitator (co-leading the development of the conference, introduced sessions and speakers, led and facilitated thematic workshops)
- Led a team of workshop facilitators and rapporteurs.
- Kept the group, composed of representatives of youth organizations and policymakers, engaged throughout the conference.
- Assisted in the Conference pre-work, including workshops and preparation sessions.-
- Designed the methodology and choreography of the conference working group sessions together with other actors.
- Planned and prepared the conference sessions in cooperation with the national organization, co-facilitators, and other actors.
- Attended preparatory and evaluation meetings.
- Ensured consistency between the Consultation Pack designed by the European Steering Group and the researchers, with the EUYC working group methodology.

I worked on this training for 4 days as a full time trainer.

Testimonial of the reference person

Cova S. showed excelet competences to facilitate a big international event such as an European Conference.