The fourth European Youth Work Convention, which was held at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta, has successfully concluded following three days of discussions, workshops, and exchanges of ideas, stated the Ministry for European Funds and Implementation of the Electoral Programme along with the Parliamentary Secretariat for Youth, Research, and Innovation.
They said that over 500 representatives from 41 countries participated in the convention, and added that the convention was hosted by the Maltese Presidency of the Council of Europe. They added that the convention was a celebration of Europe's commitment to quality policy and work, and that the edition in question was a celebration of Europe's commitment to quality youth policy and work. The ministry and secretariat said that the main theme of the convention was Youth Work Xcelerate, with an emphasis on how youth policy can be modernised and carried out with greater impact.
Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi said that a map was created for a future where youth work is not only recognised, but supported as an integral part of European policy. He added that the event was not simply a discussion meeting, but that it was a concrete example of a Europe which listens, supports, and walks alongside its young people.
He spoke of the importance of European Funds and of programmes such as Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps, which the ministry added help young people to have learning and volunteering opportunities at European level. Zrinzo Azzopardi also spoke of how Malta registered almost 3,000 participants in youth learning activities through Erasmus+ between 2023 and 2024, adding that this was done with the support of 390 youth organisations.
Parliamentary Secretary Keith Azzopardi Tanti said that it depends on everyone, including policymakers, local authorities, EU bodies, youth organisations, youth workers, researchers, and youths themselves, to have an important role in bringing the results of the convention to life. He continued that this means incorporating things into policies, applying them in practice, and promoting them in discussions about the future of young people in Europe. "Together, we can ensure that the work we have started here becomes a solid foundation for a more inclusive future for all generations of young people," he remarked.
European Commissioner Glenn Micallef spoke of the need for European policy to continue listening to people who work directly with young people. He said that youth work is not just an investment in society, but an investment in democracy, intergenerational justice, and the future of the European project itself.
The ministry and secretariat stated that the convention was also a forum to discuss the European Roadmap for Youth work with a commitment from all countries present to raise standards and strengthen cooperation while also increasing the field's recognition.
Minister Zrinzo Azzopardi concluded by saying that as a small country with a small voice, Malta offered effective leadership throughout this process. He also thanked the European Commission, the Council of Europe, Agenzija Zghazagh, and EUPA.