Youth invited to shape Conference of INGO’s new Youth Strategy through series of online events

In the summer letter of the President of the Conference of INGOs, several agenda topics were announced for their General Assembly, that will take place from 14 to 16 October in Strasbourg. One of the special issues for October’s conference will be the work on the Conference of INGOs new Youth Strategy. To strengthen their work with Youth, they have had meetings with the Youth Sector of the Council of Europe and its Youth Advisory Council – and they have prepared a series of online meetings for young people in the run-up to our Conference. It will start on 12 August, the International Day for Youth.

The International Youth Day Round Table meeting aims to bring together young people from across Europe to discuss and engage with the Conference of INGOs Youth Strategy. This event will provide a platform for youth to voice their perspectives, share ideas, and collaborate on initiatives that promote active citizenship, democratic participation, and youth empowerment. The meeting will be an online event.

We invite all members that work with young people / have a youth council-board to spread the invitation to this online series of round tables among their networks.

Objectives:

1. Engage Youth: Foster youth participation in civil society and democratic processes.
2. Connect Youth: Promote solidarity, intercultural understanding, and cross-border collaborations among young people.
3. Empower Youth: Equip youth with the skills and knowledge needed for active citizenship and leadership.
4. Promote the Conference of INGOs Youth Strategy: Raise awareness about the Conference of INGOs Youth Strategy and its objectives among young people and stakeholders.
5. Facilitate Dialogue: Create a space for meaningful dialogue between youth and policymakers to address youth-related challenges and opportunities.

Programme for Online Series of Round Tables

Session 1: Kick-off and Setting the Stage for Youth Impact

12 August 2024 from 9:20 to 11:30

Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87014552059

• 09:20 – 09:30 – Welcoming Session
  • Opening remarks by the Chairperson of the Council of Europe INGOs Committee.
  • Overview of the CINGO Youth Strategy and the importance of youth participation.
• 09:30 – 10:15 – Group Discussion: The Role of Youth in Shaping Policies
• 10:15 – 10:30 – Break
• 10:30 – 11:15 – Group Discussion: Digital Tools for Advocacy
  • Training on using digital tools and social media for advocacy and civic engagement.
• 11.15 – 11.30: Reflection and Closing Remarks

Session 2 – Breaking the Barriers and Connecting with Participation

26 August 2024 from 9:15 to 12:20

Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83667857633

• 09:15 – 10:30 – Group Discussion: Overcoming Barriers to Youth Participation through INGOs
• 10:30 – 10:45 – Break
• 10:45 – 12:00 – Roundtable Discussions: Youth Perspectives on Civic Engagement
  • Small group discussions on challenges and opportunities for youth in civic engagement and reflections on how to do it better with CINGOs Youth Strategy.
• 12.05 – 12.20 – Reflection and Closing Remarks

Session 3 – Engaging with Civic Participation and Cultural Solidarity

09 September 2024 from 9:15 to 12:20

Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86921777394

• 09.15- 10.30: Group Discussion: Building Intercultural Understanding and Solidarity through NGOs with Young People
• 10.30 – 10.45: Break
• 10.45– 12.00: Interactive Session: Developing Youth-Led Initiatives
  • Guided session to help participants develop action plans for CINGO Youth Strategy.
• 12.05 – 12.20: Reflection and Closing Remarks

Full round table programme can be downloaded here.

Conclusion

This program is designed to ensure a comprehensive and enriching experience for all participants, fostering a deeper understanding of democratic processes, civic engagement, and youth empowerment.