Youth as the Answer: Mutual Learning and Strategic Dialogue for Inclusive Societies

This October, IFLRY and the European Youth Foundation of the Council of Europe concluded a work plan with an event in Lisbon, held from 1 to 4 October. The work plan consisted of three seminars with an overarching theme of battling anti-rights movements and empowering youth organisations to fight inequalities. The first event, in Sofia, Bulgaria, focused on xenophobia, with a special focus on refugees and antigypsyism. The following seminar, in Berlin, Germany, focused on anti-rights movements and women’s rights.

The seminars were connected not only thematically, but also through people. Some participants from the first event became trainers in the second, and the final event in Lisbon brought together participants from both previous events as well as a group of newcomers.

The seminar in Lisbon was the culmination of Sofia and Berlin, as projects developed during those events were brought forward for evaluation. Participants first had the chance to visit the Aljube Museum of Resistance and Freedom, and to speak with a representative of rede ex aequo, a Portuguese LGBTI youth organisation, about its fundamental work, including educational sessions in schools. The last day and a half were dedicated to developing a toolkit together. The final result is a toolkit designed for youth NGOs, giving them ready-made templates for well-thought-out projects.

We want to extend our gratitude once again to the European Youth Foundation, our trainers team, the office and our participants for making it happen.