Increasing Youth Involvement in Multistakeholder Dialogue: Youth-Responsive implementation of the UfM Youth Agenda

Over recent years, the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) has made efforts to promote initiatives aimed at actively engaging young people as drivers of a just and sustainable transition. The UfM is committed to harnessing the transformative potential of young people in shaping the future of the region through an inclusive and holistic approach to youth empowerment and engagement.

At the heart of the UfM work on youth lies the “UfM Youth Strategy 2030”, which emphasises the pivotal role of youth in driving social, economic, and environmental progress. Adopted in 2021, the “UfM Youth Strategy 2030” marked a significant commitment by all UfM Member States to empower Euro-Mediterranean youth and foster an inclusive and sustainable future in the region.

To operationalise the “Youth Strategy 2030”, in November 2023, the UfM introduced the UfM Youth Agenda: Call for Action,” comprising recommendations and proposals for action calling on EuroMediterranean stakeholders to enhance youth engagement in addressing global challenges. These recommendations were formulated through consultations via quarterly dialogue meetings involving policymakers, youth-focused Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and youth leaders.

Background The “UfM Youth Agenda: Call for Action” serves as a guide for governments, international and regional organisations, and youth-led and focused organisations to strengthen the role of young people in tackling major global challenges.

To implement the “UfM Youth Agenda”, the UfM places strong emphasis on capacity building, and multi-stakeholder dialogue. On the one hand, the UfM implements initiatives like the third edition of the Mediterranean Youth Academy in 2023, and the 2024 UfM Med Youth Lab. On the other hand, the UfM promotes multi-stakeholder dialogue initiatives involving the UfM National Focal Points on Youth, international organisations, and civil society.

In its approach to youth engagement and empowerment, the outcome document is aligned with the principles outlined in the Pact for the Future, particularly actions 36 and 37, which call for strengthening the roles of Youth and Future Generations in decision-making processes at national and international level. This outcome document reinforces that commitment by aligning its approach with these PFF actions, further emphasising the role of young people in addressing global challenges and fostering sustainable development.

December 2024