YMCA Europe proudly participated in the 4th European Youth Work Convention, held in Valletta, Malta from 27 to 30 May 2025.
This key event marked another step in YMCA’s long-standing commitment to empowering young people, fostering inclusion, and contributing to youth policy development across Europe.
Organised under the theme “Youth Work Xcelerate,” the Convention brought together around 500 youth work professionals, policymakers, researchers, and young people from across Europe and beyond.
As the largest and most influential gathering of its kind, the Convention aimed to advance the quality, recognition, and relevance of youth work. At a time when democratic values are increasingly under pressure, the event highlighted youth work’s essential role in promoting civic engagement, social cohesion, and resilience among young people.
YMCA Europe was represented by Dragoș Tarța, Advocacy Lead, who contributed to discussions focused on three core areas: the foundations of youth work, the broader environment in which it operates, and the systems that support it at local, national, and European levels. These themes reflect our strategic vision of supporting young people and communities in building a just, inclusive, and sustainable Europe.
The outcomes of the Convention will help shape the agenda for the 10th Council of Europe Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth, set to take place in Malta in October 2025. This ministerial conference will provide an opportunity for European governments to formally adopt policies and strategies that reflect the recommendations developed during the Convention, reinforcing the value of youth work in democratic societies.
YMCA Europe’s engagement in this landmark event reaffirms its dedication to ensuring that young people remain at the heart of European policymaking. Through strong partnerships with civil society, youth organisations, and institutions, YMCA continues to advocate for youth work as a vital pillar of Europe’s democratic future and social infrastructure.
