After three days of discussions, workshops and exchanges of ideas, the fourth edition of the European Convention for Youth Workers (European Youth Work Convention) which was held at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta, with the participation of more than 500 representatives from 41 countries.
The Convention, hosted by the Maltese Presidency of the Council of Europe, was a celebration of Europe’s commitment to quality youth policy and work. This edition had as its main theme Youth Work Xcelerate, with an emphasis on how youth policy can be modernised and delivered with greater impact.
The Minister for European Funds and the Implementation of the Electoral Programme Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi addressed the closing of the Convention where he praised the active contribution of young people, youth workers and all those who participated.
“During this Convention, a roadmap was created for a future where youth work is not only recognised, but supported as an integral part of European policy. This event was not simply a discussion meeting, but a concrete example of a Europe that listens, supports and walks alongside its young people,” said the minister.
Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi also highlighted the importance of European Funds in this sector and of programmes such as Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps, which help young people have learning and volunteering opportunities at the European level. He pointed out that between 2023 and 2024, Malta registered almost 3,000 participants in learning mobility activities for young people through Erasmus+, with the support of 390 youth organisations.
Among the evening’s speakers were the Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research and Innovation Keith Azzopardi Tanti, as well as the European Commissioner for Intergenerational Justice, Youth, Culture and Sport, Glenn Micallef.
In his speech, Parliamentary Secretary Keith Azzopardi Tanti said: “What happens from here on does not depend on just one institution or one country, it depends on all of us: policymakers, local authorities, EU bodies, youth organisations, youth workers, researchers, and of course, young people themselves. Each and every one of us has an important role to play in bringing the Convention to life – to incorporate it into our policies, to apply it in our practice, and to promote it in our discussions about the future of young people in Europe. Together, we can ensure that the work we have started here becomes a solid foundation for a more inclusive future for all generations of young people.”
European Commissioner Glenn Micallef stressed the need for European policy to continue to listen to people who work directly with young people. He argued that: “Working with young people is not just an investment in society, but an investment in democracy, in intergenerational justice, and in the future of the European project itself.”
The evening also featured speeches by the Permanent Representative of Malta to the Council of Europe, H.E. Ambassador Francesca Camilleri Vettiger, as well as the President of the European Youth Forum, Rareș Voicu and the Director of Democratic Participation at the Council of Europe, Matjaž Gruden.
The Convention was also a forum to discuss the European Roadmap for Youth Work, with a commitment from all countries present to raise standards and strengthen cooperation, while increasing recognition of this important field.
At the end of the evening, Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi remarked that Malta, as a small country, but with a strong voice, offered effective leadership in this process. He closed by thanking the European Commission, the Council of Europe, Aġenzija Żgħażagħ and EUPA for the excellent coordination in making this Convention a success.
Photo: DOI/MFI/MEYR_PS
