The seminar is organised as a follow up to the two regional seminars in 2022 and 2023 and the 2023 Symposium to explore in-depth the context in which youth work is developed, the situation of the practitioners and the way the youth work ecosystem is evolving at national, local and regional levels. The seminar will focus on identifying good practices and building on them, as well as disseminating latest research results - notably through the Visible Value handbook, the draft Youth work strategies manual and the new Advocacy kit (under development), the review of the Youth Work Recommendation and the two thematic studies on models of youth work recognition and mapping the European youth work ecosystems. The event will also ensure visibility of a new comprehensive study Youth work in South-East Europe  and the results of the Youth brain drain from the Western Balkans, the Eastern Partnership and Türkiye study.

It will also offer a room for an active dialogue about the support needed for a strengthened, structured, and recognised youth work in South-East and Eastern Europe, and for reflecting on how the Youth Partnership and European level actors can support initiatives in the two regions in the future.

The seminar aims at

• Provide place for a continued up-to-date dialogue of the youth work community of practice in Eastern and  South-East Europe about youth work development, topics around specific emerging needs and about the state of implementation of the European Youth Work Agenda in the two regions;
• Share information about political processes and latest developments concerning youth work at national and European level, considering the upcoming 4^th European Youth Work Convention and the future of strategy and programmes of the two partner institutions;
• Offer guidance and support by informing participants about European resources and assistance, including tools and instruments developed by the Youth Partnership and the partner institutions;
• Collect and share good practices on youth work development in the two regions and beyond, with special focus to thematic priorities and advocacy and communication with decision makers and public authorities.

The event’s expected outcomes include

• Audiovisual materials, for instance: podcast episode(s), graphic recording and visuals highlights of the main messages, etc.
• Updated analysis of needs and changes in the regions regarding youth work and related policies;
• Collection of good practices, with a focus on engaging in a dialogue with decision makers and public authorities on different levels with the aim of advocating for youth work development.

Target group

Up to 50-55 participants from the youth work community of practice, including: researchers, policy makers from local to regional level, representatives of associations of youth workers, public sector, paid and volunteer youth workers, youth organisations delivering youth work, youth representatives, young people, etc.

Please note that this event is only open for citizens or residents of one of the Council of Europe member states or Kazakhstan or the Holy See.

Dates and venue

The activity will take place on 29-30 October 2024, in Skopje, North Macedonia (venue to be confirmed). Participants will be expected to arrive on 28 October and depart on 31 October. Travel and accommodation costs will be covered by the Youth Partnership.