Ground Up Conference Empowers Rural Youth Ahead of 2024 European Elections

“From the Ground Up—Fostering Rural Youth Participation in the EU Agenda” concluded. It aimed to bolster democratic engagement among rural and peripheral communities in anticipation of the 2024 European Elections.

Held from June 18 to June 20, 2024, the event was hosted by LAG Dolina Rzeki Grabi in Łobudzice, Poland. It brought together experts, community leaders, and young participants to discuss crucial issues affecting the integrity of elections and the active participation of rural youth in democratic processes. The conference was co-funded by the European Union and is part of a larger initiative to enhance rural youth participation in the EU agenda.

Event Highlights:

Welcome Speech: The event commenced with an inspiring welcome speech that set the stage for insightful discussions and activities.

Expert Panel Debate: A riveting debate on Community-led Local Development and LEADER highlighted successful initiatives and challenges in rural development.

Social Innovations: A session on social innovations for rural areas, focusing on the Smart Villages concept, showcased innovative approaches to improving rural life in Poland and worldwide.

Participatory Budgeting: Participants engaged in discussions on participatory budgeting, learning how local communities can have a direct say in public spending decisions.

European Citizens’ Initiative: The initiative was introduced as a vital tool for democratic participation, emphasizing its significance in shaping EU policies.

Addressing Modern Challenges:
The event also addressed pressing issues such as hate speech, disinformation, fake news, cybersecurity threats, and political resentments, which pose challenges to the integrity of elections. Participants were equipped with knowledge and strategies to recognize and counteract these threats.

Civic Dialogue:
A crucial session focused on the upcoming 2024 European Parliament Elections, exploring why fair and equal elections are essential and the pivotal role of youth in EU democracy.

For more https://www.youtube.com/live/Y2Cnl6lgTdQ

Event Description Sheet https://ila.wiki/ABz