Hosted by the European Commission, the Global Gateway High-Level Youth Event took place on 9-10 October 2024 in Brussels. It highlighted the transformational impact of the EU youth agenda, celebrated achievements and new partnerships and connected youth champion networks.
Gathering high level policymakers and young leaders, the Global Gateway High-Level Youth Event showcased inspiring examples of successful youth initiatives; reflected on the achievements and added value of the Youth Action Plan (YAP) and inspire further action.
Photos 9 October | Photos 10 October
Have a look to main takeaways from different sessions
Global Gateway High-Level Youth Event 2024 - DAY 2 - Main takeaways from different sessions 
Global Gateway High-Level Youth Event 2024 - DAY 2 - Session 1: Welcoming address and key note speeches 
Global Gateway High-Level Youth Event 2024 - DAY 2 - Session 2: Partnering with Youth 
Global Gateway High-Level Youth Event 2024 - DAY 2 - Session 3: Breaking barriers - Two years of implementation of the Youth Action Plan 
Global Gateway High-Level Youth Event 2024 - DAY 2 - Session 4: Global Gateway: what’s in it for youth? 
Global Gateway High-Level Youth Event 2024 - DAY 2 - Session 5: “Fireside chat” – Peace, democracy and human rights in geopolitically challenging times – An enabling environment for Global Gateway 
Global Gateway High-Level Youth Event 2024 - DAY 2 - Session 6: Closing session & Youth recommendations for next Commission
Youth Recommendations on International Partnerships for the next European Commission were presented by members of the EU Youth Sounding Board for International Partnerships. They were elaborated through a participatory process by young people of EU Youth Networks around the world, engaged in the implementation of the Youth Action Plan in EU External Action.
Have a look to the Youth Recommendations
Preceded by the Summit of the Future and celebrating the 2nd anniversary of the YAP adoption, the Global Gateway High-Level Youth Event aimed to consolidate the foundations of the youth agenda in EU external action by connecting youth networks and showcasing the political potential of partnering with youth. The forum marked an important milestone for the EU and its partners’ Youth Agenda, underlining the importance of youth as a catalytic investment for the future. The forum multiplied the impact of youth action by strengthening the connection between and with all the young people engaged in our EU external action.
Our approach to working with and for youth
Nearly half of the world’s population is under 30, with 90% living in less developed partner countries. By 2030, 20% of the world’s population will be African, with over 55% of Africa’s population younger than 20. This demographic trend will significantly shape global economic relations and politics in the coming decades.
The focus on youth is a game-changer: a well-educated and healthy young population is the bedrock of a stable society and economy. In a world facing colossal transformations, nurturing genuine partnerships, and working with and empowering young people is not only responding to their legitimate demands, but also a much-needed strategic investment to our common future.
Adopted in October 2022, the Youth Action Plan (YAP) in EU external action (2022-2027) provides the framework for engaging, empowering, and connecting youth globally, making youth strategic partners in EU external action, particularly in implementing the Global Gateway Strategy. It aims to give youth a voice, to equip them with the skills and resources necessary for the green and digital transformations, and to create networks of change-makers, ensuring no one is left behind.
Agenda
9 October (day 1): Connecting EU Youth Networks - by invitation only
See detailed agenda for 9 October (day 1)
French version Spanish version
10 October (day 2): Global Gateway High-Level Youth event
- 8.00-8.45Welcome and registration
- 9.00-9.30Welcoming address and key note speeches
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission (video)
Jutta Urpilainen, European Commissioner for International Partnerships
Felipe Paullier, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs
- 9.30-11.00Partnering with Youth
The session will spotlight the role of young people as partners of the European Institutions. Looking back at the past two years, speakers will bring their testimonies as inspiration and will put emphasis on the impact of intergenerational dialogue.
- 11.00-11.30Networking Coffee and Market Place
- 11.30-13.00Breaking barriers - Two years of implementation of the Youth Action Plan
The session will highlight how the Youth Action Plan, its flagships and the youth stakeholders involved contribute to break barriers to increase meaningful youth participation from engagement in institutional processes to youth-friendly funding schemes.
- 13.00-14.30Networking Lunch and Market Place
- 14.30-15.45Global Gateway: what’s in it for youth?
The session will discuss the particular role of youth in the Global Gateway strategy and vice versa. Concrete examples will be showcased across the pillars of the Global Gateway strategy, the fair green and digital transition, inequalities, and education.
- 15.45-16.15Networking Lunch and Market Place
- 16.15-17.00Fireside chat
Peace, democracy and human rights in geopolitically challenging times – An enabling environment for Global Gateway Strategy
- 17.00-18.00Closing session - Youth recommendations for next Commission
The closing session will reflect on the insights gained along the day on the relevance of investing and engaging with youth. Young representatives will present some forward-looking recommendations for the path initiated by the Youth Action Plan to promote meaningful youth participation and empowerment in EU external action for sustainable development, equality and peace.
- 18.00-20.00Networking cocktail - Market place
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