YMCA’s participation in the European Youth Forum’s General Assembly, held in Brussels on the 9th and 10th of May brough us an amazing opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to young people’s rights and wellbeing, as well as to building strong communities.
In addition, connecting with our colleagues from the European youth sector is always an inspiring occasion, exchanging ideas and good practices, as well as developing new pathways to act for the inclusion of young people in every facet of the decision making processes that shape our society.
YMCA was represented by Dragoș Tarța and Peter Gilchrist. Our delegation has forwarded topics such as ensuring a strong future for the Erasmus+ program, the protection of ever-shrinking civic spaces across Europe and the prioritization of mental health through the motions adopted.
A notable milestone during the assembly was the election of our own Dragoș Tarța to the Advisory Council on Youth for the 2026 – 2027 mandate. His appointment represents a strategic opportunity for YMCA to deepen its influence within the Council of Europe and to more effectively champion the rights and interests of young people across the continent.
Our engagement extended beyond voting. We participated in meaningful dialogues with over 70 youth organizations, building alliances, exchanging best practices, and exploring partnership opportunities. Topics of shared interest included youth wellbeing, the defense of democratic participation, and strategies for more resilient communities.
We return from Brussels encouraged and energized, ready to continue translating the momentum of the General Assembly into meaningful action for the communities we serve. Our commitment remains firm: to be a leading voice for youth rights, social inclusion, and the co-creation of a better future for all young people.
