PRESS RELEASE BY THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARIAT FOR YOUTH, RESEARCH AND INNOVATION Malta to host the 4th European Youth Work Convention: Accelerating the Future of Youth Work in Europe

The 4th European Youth Work Convention, a landmark event shaping the future of youth work across Europe, will be held in Malta from 27 to 30 May 2025. Held every five years since 2010, this convention serves as a key platform for youth workers, policymakers, and researchers to advance the European Youth Work Agenda and ensure that youth work is recognised as a vital sector in policy and practice.

Under the theme “Youth Work Xcelerate", this convention will focus on accelerating progress, innovation and excellence in youth work by improving standards, recognition, and quality across Europe. It will also establish a European Roadmap to enhance the effectiveness of youth work and ensure its sustainability through national and European policies.

The Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research and Innovation Keith Azzopardi Tanti emphasised the importance of this convention in shaping the future of youth work in Europe. “For too long, youth work has been undervalued, seen as voluntary, informal, and secondary to mainstream education and employment strategies. But let me be clear: youth work is not a luxury but a necessity. It is the foundation upon which we build a stronger, more democratic Europe. This convention is not just a series of discussions, it is a call to action, ensuring that youth work is no longer an afterthought but a pillar of democracy, social cohesion, and innovation," stated Azzopardi Tanti.

The Director for Democracy at the Council of Europe, Matjaž Gruden, underscored the significance of this event in shaping the policies that will guide youth work across Europe. “The European Youth Work Convention in May will bring together nearly 500 experts, youth workers, and decision-makers to shape the future of youth work. In October, the European Ministers responsible for youth will gather in Malta to turn these discussions into concrete action, ensuring youth work thrives as a cornerstone of a thriving and resilient democracy in Europe."

Meanwhile, Michael Teutsch, Acting Director of the Youth, Education, and Erasmus+ at the European Commission's Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture, highlighted the role of the convention in shaping the future of EU youth policies. “My colleagues and I are preparing the next EU Youth Strategy and the Youth programmes after 2027. We hope the outcomes of this convention can bring fresh ideas from the community of practice into those processes."

Highlighting the role of youth-led initiatives, Nina Grmusa, Chair of the Joint Council for Youth of the Council of Europe, stated, “Youth Work, especially volunteer-based and youth-led youth work, is inalienable for practising and developing a democratic culture. We are thankful that Malta hosted the 4th EYWC, which is a key step in bolstering quality and innovative youth work and its multiplication across CoE member states. Young people and their organisations need to advance democracy and human rights."

This convention will serve as a forum for meaningful dialogue and action to recognize youth work as an integral part of democratic societies, validate youth work beyond formal education, secure sustainable funding to ensure its long-term impact and empower youth workers with the tools and recognition they deserve.

Malta has a longstanding commitment to youth work, with institutions like Aġenzija Żgħażagħ playing a crucial role in providing programmes and support for young people. Similarly, the European Union Programmes Agency (EUPA) continues to facilitate EU-funded opportunities that strengthen the youth work sector in Malta and beyond.

With a shared vision and commitment from European institutions, youth organisations, and decision-makers, the 4th European Youth Work Convention in Malta will be a catalyst for action, investment, and transformation in youth work across Europe.