Conference 2025 – Building bridges, Creating Change: The Power of Youth Volunteering
Conference – Symposium – Forum
3-6 February 2025 | Paris, France
The conference “Building bridges, Creating Change: The Power of Youth Volunteering” in Feb 2025 marks an important moment as stakeholders advocate for a renewed ambition for the next phase of EU Youth volunteering.
SALTO European Solidarity Corps Resource Centre, together with Agence Erasmus+ France Jeunesse & Sport in France, is organising this Conference that aims to discuss the potential of a strong value-based European youth programme in the future. Within the Strategic National Agency Cooperation on strengthening volunteering the conference will demonstrate the profound impact of the Solidarity Corps Programme towards relevant stakeholders inside and outside the volunteering landscape to foster knowledge exchange and mutual support in creating a positive future.
The aim of the conference is to strengthen the European Solidarity Corps programme and youth volunteering in general.
Throughout the conference, we will highlight the transformative power of youth volunteering by tackling three topics:
First, we will dive into how EU volunteering initiatives foster a profound sense of European belonging among participants and local communities, emphasizing solidarity, democracy, and interculturality to nurture a shared sense of belonging, common values and enhance intercultural understanding.
Second, we will highlight how volunteering empowers young volunteers as leaders of public mobilization dedicated to driving systemic change for environmental sustainability, contributing to a greener Europe.
Third, we will explore how EU volunteering cultivates empathy and active citizenship, empowering youth as agents of solidarity across diverse communities, shaping inclusive, long-term citizenship trajectories, and supporting NGOs in crisis response, reflecting the EU’s commitment to unity and compassion.
Together, let us harness the momentum of this conference to shape the future of EU youth volunteering, ensuring it continues to be a cornerstone for positive change in Europe and beyond.
Expected availability from the participants
A mandatory online preparatory meeting of 2 hours with your national delegation will take place mid-January.
The conference takes place 3rd – 6th of February 2025
- Monday, 3rd of February: welcome dinner at 19:00
- Tuesday, 4th of February: Work on topics @ Crowne Plaza Paris-Republique
- Wednesday, 5th of February: Plenary discussions @ The Economic, Social and Environmental Council (ESEC, plus cocktail dinatoire @ Crowne Plaza Paris-Republique
- Thursday, 6th of February: departure after breakfast
We expect participants to fully participate in the conference
More information at: SALTO