EDD 2022 Young Leaders Programme: applications are open

The European Development Days (EDD) will take place on 21 and 22 June 2022 at Brussels EXPO and online.

For its 15th edition, the EDD will focus on ‘Global Gateway: building sustainable partnerships for a connected world’. Global Gateway is the new European strategy to boost smart, clean and secure links in digital, energy and transport, and strengthen health, education and research systems across the world. It stands for sustainable and trusted connections that work for people and the planet, to tackle the most pressing global challenges, from climate change and protecting the environment, to improving health security and boosting competitiveness and global supply chains.

We encourage young people to apply to the Young Leaders Programme. This is a unique opportunity for young people from all over the world, with strong expertise and commitment to positive social change, to share their views, influence decision-makers and stakeholders, and further develop leadership skills. In accordance with the Covid-19 measures that are in place in June 2022, the selected EDD Young Leaders will participate in the high-level panels in Brussels. Before and during the forum, the Young Leaders will also participate in workshops and visit the European institutions, where they will meet policymakers and share best practices from their countries or regions.

To submit your application to be one of the EDD Young Leaders this year, please create an online profile on the EDD website and then fill in the online application form. Applications are open until 25 March at 23.59 CET.

For support in the submission process, please contact youtheudevdays [dot] eu (youth[at]eudevdays[dot]eu).

The themes

EDD 2022 will be structured around 5 themes, covering 11 topics in total.

1. Digital             

• Topic 1: Inclusive and green digital growth
• Topic 2: Open and secure internet
• Topic 3: Digital and data economies

2. Climate and energy    

• Topic 1: Green and just energy transition
• Topic 2: Integration of energy markets

3. Transport      

• Topic 1: Infrastructure connectivity
• Topic 2: Green and safe mobility
• Topic 3: Urban development, smart and interconnected cities

4. Health            

• Topic 1: Security of supply chains and development of local manufacturing

5. Education and research           

• Topic 1: Science, technology, innovation and research
• Topic 2: Quality education

Background

The European Development Days (EDD) are Europe’s leading forum on international partnerships. Organised by the European Commission, the forum brings key actors together to share ideas and experiences in ways that inspire new partnerships and innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges.

Since 2006, EDD has established itself as a key fixture in the world's development calendar and is now widely considered as the 'Davos of Development'.

Find out more on the European Development Days website.