Youth unemployment and the resulting brain drain to wealthier regions is not a fatality in the Mediterranean. This session will spotlight EU-funded initiatives that tap into the blue and green economies’ potential by providing young individuals with vital skills to boost their careers or venture into entrepreneurship. Drawing on insights from business, civil society and Türkiye's national authority of Interreg programmes, we explore strategies to nurture and retain local Mediterranean talent.
- INTERREG | Neighbours (ENI + IPA + EFTA + UK) | Social inclusion and Equality | Youth and citizens engagement | Jobs and Employment
- Code: 09WS241194
- Albert Borschette Conference Centre, AB-4A
Speakers
Hiba Fawaz
Marta Miquel
Moderator
Martin Heibel
Practical information
- When
-
Wed 09/10/2024, 09:30 - 10:30 CET
- Where
- Albert Borschette Conference Centre, AB-4A
- Type of partnership
- Partnership
- Format
- Workshop/ panel debate
- Theme
-
Regions got talent
- Language
- English
Partners
Managing Authority of Interreg NEXT MED Programme
The Directorate for EU Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye
Reporting
Session summary
Here are 4 key takeways of the session:
- Empowering Youth with Skills for Sustainable Careers: With half the Mediterranean's population under 30 and facing high unemployment, there’s an urgent need to empower young people with skills tailored for the blue and green economies. By providing training in these expanding sectors, we can equip youth to thrive in meaningful careers, helping to close the existing skills gap.
- Addressing Youth Unemployment and Brain Drain through Cross-Border Collaboration: Youth unemployment and high NEET rates in the Mediterranean underscore the need for collaborative, EU-backed solutions. Through initiatives like Interreg NEXT MED, we can create accessible, sustainable opportunities that address local needs and reduce brain drain.
- Showcasing Success Stories of Youth-Led and Youth-Oriented Projects: Projects like RESMYLE and YEP MED illustrate how targeted initiatives make a tangible impact by involving youth in sustainable development efforts. These examples demonstrate that young people, given the right resources and training, can be powerful drivers of positive change.
- Investing in Youth for a Sustainable Mediterranean Future: Interreg NEXT MED prioritizes youth involvement and empowerment, with dedicated funding for projects supporting the green transition. This commitment aligns with EU policy goals, ensuring that Mediterranean youth are central to creating a sustainable, resilient future for the region.
Quotes
-
Celebrating 20 years of Türkiye’s commitment to territorial cooperation, we recognize that empowering youth is key for a sustainable future. Through joint projects, we equip young people with skills to actively contribute to the blue & green economies.
To make Interreg attractive to communities, we need to diversify our target groups, including young people, women in rural areas, individuals with disabilities, and those facing access challenges. It’s our duty.
Under YEP MED project, over 850 participants have secured internships or job placements. This sector is undergoing a major digital transformation and it’s crucial we incorporate these skills into our training programmes.
Even modest grants, sometimes as little as 4.000 EUR, can have a transformative impact. Training without the resources to implement can lead to frustration, so it’s vital we establish financial initiatives such as grants and micro-loans.
Additional links
https://www.instagram.com/p/DA8ZPphiJDb/?img_index=1
https://www.interregnextmed.eu/mediterranean-talent/
