Recap: Global Gateway High-Level Youth Event - 9/10 October
Source: European Commission
Hosted by the European Commission in Brussels, the Global Gateway High-Level Youth Event took place on October 9-10, 2024, showcasing the transformative impact of the EU youth agenda. The event celebrated achievements, established new partnerships, and connected youth champion networks. With nearly half of the world’s population under 30—90% residing in less developed partner countries—this demographic trend was poised to significantly shape global economic relations and politics. By 2030, 20% of the global population was expected to be African, with over 55% of Africa's population under 20. This focus on youth was crucial, as a well-educated and healthy youth demographic is fundamental to a stable society and economy.
Preceding the Summit of the Future and commemorating the second anniversary of the Youth Action Plan (YAP) adoption, the event aimed to strengthen the youth agenda within EU external action by connecting youth networks and demonstrating the political significance of engaging with youth. It marked a pivotal moment for the EU and its partners in recognizing youth as a catalytic investment for the future.
Opening: the event commenced with a video address from Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, followed by remarks from Jutta Urpilainen, European Commissioner for International Partnerships, and a keynote speech by Felipe Paullier, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs. They stressed the critical role of youth in global development and cooperation.
Partnering with Youth: moderated by Siatra Msandu Zharira, this session featured speakers such as Jutta Urpilainen, Benjie Allen Aquino from the EU Youth Sounding Board, gender-climate activist Shakhzoda Mirakova, former Special Adviser on Youth Natalia Gómez Solano, and Bernard Felix Katiniche from the EU Delegation in Malawi. They discussed the importance of young people as partners in European Commission initiatives and shared testimonies illustrating the impact of intergenerational dialogue over the past two years.
Breaking Barriers: Implementation of the Youth Action Plan. Moderated by Qyira Yusri, this session included Bitania Lulu Berhanu, Santiago Barrail, Carlos Sanvee, Hoa-Binh Adjemian, and Francisca Midzi. Speakers highlighted the Youth Action Plan's contributions to breaking barriers and promoting meaningful youth participation, focusing on institutional engagement and access to youth-friendly funding.
Global Gateway: What’s in It for Youth? Geth Semani Akhenra Maiga moderated a discussion featuring Marjeta Jager, Gilles Bertrand, Liberatha Kawamala, Sobel Aziz Ngom, Andrea Remes, and Jasper Verreydt. They explored youth's role in the Global Gateway strategy, emphasizing its relevance to green and digital transitions, addressing inequalities, and enhancing education.
Fireside Chat – Peace, Democracy, and Human Rights: Moderated by Giacomo Castorina Calí, this session included Olof Skoog, Anna Gabriela Ferreira Noval, and Marwa Galaleldin. The discussion focused on creating an enabling environment for the Global Gateway Strategy concerning peace, democracy, and human rights amidst geopolitical challenges.
Closing Session: Moderated by Naja-Theresia Høegh, speakers included youth members of the EU Youth Sounding Board who presented recommendations for the next Commission. Jutta Urpilainen closed the event, highlighting the importance of investing in youth and emphasizing recommendations for enhancing their participation and empowerment in EU external action for sustainable development, equality, and peace.
Click here to read more details on the event on October 9-10 2024.
Hosted by the European Commission in Brussels, the Global Gateway High-Level Youth Event took place on October 9-10, 2024, showcasing the transformative impact of the EU youth agenda. The event celebrated achievements, established new partnerships, and connected youth champion networks. With nearly half of the world’s population under 30—90% residing in less developed partner countries—this demographic trend was poised to significantly shape global economic relations and politics. By 2030, 20% of the global population was expected to be African, with over 55% of Africa's population under 20. This focus on youth was crucial, as a well-educated and healthy youth demographic is fundamental to a stable society and economy.
Preceding the Summit of the Future and commemorating the second anniversary of the Youth Action Plan (YAP) adoption, the event aimed to strengthen the youth agenda within EU external action by connecting youth networks and demonstrating the political significance of engaging with youth. It marked a pivotal moment for the EU and its partners in recognizing youth as a catalytic investment for the future.
Opening: the event commenced with a video address from Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, followed by remarks from Jutta Urpilainen, European Commissioner for International Partnerships, and a keynote speech by Felipe Paullier, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs. They stressed the critical role of youth in global development and cooperation.
Partnering with Youth: moderated by Siatra Msandu Zharira, this session featured speakers such as Jutta Urpilainen, Benjie Allen Aquino from the EU Youth Sounding Board, gender-climate activist Shakhzoda Mirakova, former Special Adviser on Youth Natalia Gómez Solano, and Bernard Felix Katiniche from the EU Delegation in Malawi. They discussed the importance of young people as partners in European Commission initiatives and shared testimonies illustrating the impact of intergenerational dialogue over the past two years.
Breaking Barriers: Implementation of the Youth Action Plan. Moderated by Qyira Yusri, this session included Bitania Lulu Berhanu, Santiago Barrail, Carlos Sanvee, Hoa-Binh Adjemian, and Francisca Midzi. Speakers highlighted the Youth Action Plan's contributions to breaking barriers and promoting meaningful youth participation, focusing on institutional engagement and access to youth-friendly funding.
Global Gateway: What’s in It for Youth? Geth Semani Akhenra Maiga moderated a discussion featuring Marjeta Jager, Gilles Bertrand, Liberatha Kawamala, Sobel Aziz Ngom, Andrea Remes, and Jasper Verreydt. They explored youth's role in the Global Gateway strategy, emphasizing its relevance to green and digital transitions, addressing inequalities, and enhancing education.
Fireside Chat – Peace, Democracy, and Human Rights: Moderated by Giacomo Castorina Calí, this session included Olof Skoog, Anna Gabriela Ferreira Noval, and Marwa Galaleldin. The discussion focused on creating an enabling environment for the Global Gateway Strategy concerning peace, democracy, and human rights amidst geopolitical challenges.
Closing Session: Moderated by Naja-Theresia Høegh, speakers included youth members of the EU Youth Sounding Board who presented recommendations for the next Commission. Jutta Urpilainen closed the event, highlighting the importance of investing in youth and emphasizing recommendations for enhancing their participation and empowerment in EU external action for sustainable development, equality, and peace.
Click here to read more details on the event on October 9-10 2024.