The 4th European Youth Work Convention, the largest and most significant gathering of its kind in Europe, brought together around 500 youth work professionals, policy-makers, researchers, and young people from across Europe and beyond. It aims to shape the future of youth work by improving standards, recognition, and quality in youth work. It took place in Valletta on 28 and 29 May. As democracy faces new challenges in Europe and globally, the Convention underlined the vital contribution of youth work in fostering inclusion, civic engagement, and resilience among young people.
Matjaž Gruden, Director for Democracy at the Council of Europe stated: "In times of polarisation and uncertainty, youth work is not a luxury - it is a necessity. It empowers young people to reclaim their space, shape their futures, and safeguard the values of democracy, human rights, and dignity for all."
Tobias Flessenkemper, Head of the Youth Department at the Council of Europe, said: "Voluntary and professional youth workers are witnessing first-hand the challenges young people face in our societies. Youth work is crucial for learning, practicing, and innovating democracy. Youth workers and the European Youth Work Agenda significantly contribute to protecting democracy and individual freedom, standing firm against polarisation and disinformation. Malta's consistent improvement in standards and quality serves as an inspiration across Europe and beyond."
Nina Grmuša, Chair of the Joint Council on Youth at the Council of Europe, said in her opening remarks: "Youth work is essential for developing democratic culture. Especially in times of growing uncertainty and shrinking civic space, we must support youth workers through structural funding and inclusive spaces to bolster the quality, innovation, and impact of youth work."
Throughout the Convention, participants engaged in strategic discussions, sharing pioneering practices, and laying the groundwork for a European Roadmap for Youth Work until 2030. This roadmap outlines practical measures to improve the quality and effectiveness of youth work practices, secure its recognition as an essential sector, and integrate youth work more firmly into relevant EU and Council of Europe policies.
Glenn Micallef, European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport stated: "Youth work is a powerful force for inclusion, participation, and hope across Europe. I am glad that this European Youth Work Convention aligns with the beginning of my mandate, and I look forward to meaningful dialogue with dedicated participants."
The outcomes of this Convention will directly inform the 10th Council of Europe Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth to be held in Malta in October 2025, where European governments will come together to adopt strategies for implementing the recommendations agreed upon during the Convention.
The Convention was organised by the Government of Malta - Aġenzija Żgħażagħ and the European Union Program Agency (EUPA) for Malta with the support of the EU-Council of Europe Youth Partnership, under the Maltese Presidency of the Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers.
