Italy
participants
The main objective was to create a debate on the active role that youth associations will play in the European Year of Youth, which is based on the three pillars "Mobilise - Connect - Empower", in order to understand how young people can be involved in the green transition and EU priorities as active citizens and representatives of the European values.
The opening conference was held in the framework of the Conference of the Future of Europe with the theme of Education, Youth, Culture and Sports, from the perspective of the daily work that youth organisations such as ESN do with the aim to promote the priorities of the European Institutions. The full title was: "The Role of Youth Organisations in the European Year of Youth - What can ESN do to involve young people in active citizenship".
Interventions to the conference were made by Gianluca Fiorenza (President of ESN GEG Genova), Nicoletta Da Crema (pro rector vicar of the University of Genova), Barbara Grosso (Alderman of the Municipality of Genova), Brando Benifei (European parliamentarian), Danilo Oliva (President of Circolo Autorità Portuale), Irene Patania (Head of International Mobility Office of the University of Genova), Gianluca Saba (Responsible of the Europe Direct of Genova), Giovanni Telesca (former Presidente of ESN Italy) and Gerlando Sciabica (Incoming President of ESN Italy). The Main Chair of the conference was Gianluca Fiorenza (ESN GEG Genova).
There were 85 participants, including the event attendees, the chairing team, and both of ESN National Boards (2021 and 2022).
During the conference, the speakers put focus on how the institutions and associations they are there to represent can contribute to the European Institutions’ agenda, by promoting international mobility and youth volunteering, fostering intercultural understanding and encouraging active citizenship with the perspective of a better future for Europe. In particular, a big focus was made on the ESN Mission to enrich society through international students, together with the international values that it promotes, and on how the Erasmus+ Programme is both the origin of this Mission and the best means to pursue it.
The conference went live via streaming on ESN Italy communication channels.
