During the media event, held in Valletta today to present the conference, it was highlighted that this convention will focus on accelerating progress, innovation, and excellence in youth work by improving standards, recognition, and quality across Europe.
Organised with the support of the Partnership between the European Commission and the Council of Europe in the field of youth, under the theme “Youth Work Xcelerate”, it will promote youth work as a key tool for empowering young people, fostering inclusion, and encouraging active participation. It will also establish a European Roadmap to enhance the effectiveness of youth work and ensure its sustainability through national and European policies.
The Director for Democracy at the Council of Europe, Matjaž Gruden, underscored the significance of this event in shaping the policies that will guide youth work across Europe. “The European Youth Work Convention in May will bring together nearly 500 experts, youth workers, and decision-makers to shape the future of youth work. In October, the European ministers responsible for youth will gather in Malta to turn these discussions into concrete action, ensuring youth work thrives as a cornerstone of a thriving and resilient democracy in Europe”, said Gruden.
Through a video message, Michael Teutsch, Acting Director for Youth, Education, and Erasmus+ at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture, highlighted the role of the convention in shaping the future of EU youth policies. “My colleagues and I are preparing the next EU Youth Strategy and the Youth programmes after 2027. We hope the outcomes of this convention can bring fresh ideas from the community of practice into those processes.”
Highlighting the role of youth-led initiatives, Nina Grmuša, Chair of the Joint Council on Youth of the Council of Europe, stated: "Youth work, especially volunteer-based and youth-led youth work, is inalienable for practising and developing a democratic culture. We are thankful that Malta hosted the 4th EYWC, which is a key step in bolstering quality and innovative youth work and its multiplication across Council of Europe member states. Young people and their organisations need to advance democracy and human rights.”
The Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research, and Innovation, Keith Azzopardi Tanti, emphasised the importance of this convention in shaping the future of youth work in Europe: “For too long, youth work has been undervalued, seen as voluntary, informal, and secondary to mainstream education and employment strategies. But let me be clear: youth work is not a luxury but a necessity. It is the foundation upon which we build a stronger, more democratic Europe. This convention is not just a series of discussions: it is a call to action, ensuring that youth work is no longer an afterthought but a pillar of democracy, social cohesion, and innovation.”
This convention will serve as a forum for meaningful dialogue and action to recognise youth work as an integral part of democratic societies, validate youth work beyond formal education, secure sustainable funding to ensure its long-term impact and empower youth workers with the tools and recognition they deserve.
Malta has a longstanding commitment to youth work, with institutions like Aġenzija Żgħażagħ (AZ) playing a crucial role in providing programmes and support for young people. Similarly, the European Union Programmes Agency (EUPA) continues to facilitate EU-funded opportunities that strengthen the youth work sector in Malta and beyond.
