It is an honor to present you this second Special Edition of the Regional Funds Online Magazine, on this special occasion of the International Day of Youth. As we gather here, we have the opportunity to reflect on the future of our young generations and the crucial role of skills development in shaping their journey towards a prosperous and fulfilling life.
This year, having closed 2022 with the European Year of Youth, we have witnessed the launch of the European Year of Skills, an initiative aimed at promoting lifelong learning, enhancing digital and green skills, and fostering inclusive skill development. It is a timely reminder of the importance of equipping our youth with the necessary tools and knowledge to thrive in an ever-changing world of work. Passing from the European Year of Youth to the European Year of Skills, the importance of equipping young individuals with the necessary tools to thrive in a rapidly evolving world cannot be overstated. In this Special Edition, we delve into the crucial role of trainers, mentors, youth workers – thanks to the contributions of the Funds for Youth Employment and Regional Cooperation Projects–, and various organisations in shaping the future of Europe’s youth by enhancing their skills and nurturing their potential.
The European Commission (EC), represented by DG EMPLOYMENT, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the International Labour Organization (ILO), the European Training Foundation (ETF), the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (CEDEFOP), the foundation FAFO together with other personalities representing the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) and the European Committee of the Regions (CoR), have all recognised the need for concerted efforts to empower the youth, especially during these transformative times. This edition brings together insights from these esteemed institutions and people to shed light on the pathways for young people to unlock their capabilities and contribute to a skilled and innovative Europe.
The EEA & NORWAY Grants funded Projects, and on this occasion I want to thank all of them for their strong commitment to our Mag, were able to reflect, through their best practices here represented, the Changing Landscape of Youth Empowerment, as well in terms of a regional cooperation perspective. We must acknowledge, after all, the evolving nature of the global economy and the challenges young people face in entering the job market. The traditional education system alone may no longer be sufficient to address the diverse skill demands of the future workforce. Instead, a collaborative approach involving trainers, mentors, and youth workers becomes paramount in ensuring that young individuals develop the necessary competencies to thrive in an increasingly competitive world. Our goal, hopefully you will feel it in scrolling those pages, was to give tribute to the unwavering dedication of trainers, mentors, youth workers, and organisations/institutions committed to empowering young individuals across Europe.
Alongside the Projects activities, the mentioned entities, which we thank on behalf of the entire Fund Operator for their support, share a common interest in promoting inclusive skills policies. In the future, there will likely be a greater emphasis on ensuring that skills development initiatives and policies are designed to be inclusive, addressing the needs of diverse populations, including vulnerable groups, marginalised communities, persons with disabilities, and individuals facing social or economic disadvantages. Embracing their availability in offering us their valuable perspective, we believe that the link created with the point of views of our Youth Employment and Regional Cooperation Funds’ Projects leads the way to topics and challenges that are more current than ever.
We have the privilege today to read the experiences and voices of young individuals and their mentors who have embarked on their skill development journeys. Their stories inspire us and remind us of the transformative power of skill-building initiatives. By investing in skill development, fostering mentorship, and promoting collaboration, we pave the way for a brighter future, where the potential of Europe’s youth is unleashed, and their contributions to society are boundless.
To conclude and leave you the time to read our pages, let us remember that our actions today shape the world our young people will inherit tomorrow. Thanks to every contribution collected here for demonstrating the need to continue working together, fostering collaborative efforts, policy interventions, and mentorship programmes to create a future where every young person has access to quality skills development opportunities. Together, we can empower our youth, bridge the skills gap, and build a society where no one is left behind.
Thank you for your attention,
And may we all remain committed to empowering our young people for a brighter and more prosperous future, building a society where no one is left behind.
The Fund Operator Communication Team
