From May 26 to 27, 2025, YOUTHABILITY NGO successfully organized the international conference of the European program “YET” in Kastoria and Siatista, Greece. With the support of the Municipality of Voio and in cooperation with municipalities from Spain, Slovenia, Croatia, and Romania, the event highlighted the power of youth-driven dialogue in shaping a more inclusive and united Europe.

The two-day conference brought together young citizens, local leaders, and international partners for discussions, workshops, and study visits that emphasized youth empowerment, sustainability, and European identity. The opening session was led by Ms. Maria Ntelia, President of YOUTHABILITY, who welcomed participants and stressed the importance of intercultural dialogue and youth engagement in strengthening European cohesion.

A rich agenda of speeches and panel discussions followed, starting with Mr. Dimitrios Zefklis, EU Project Manager, who delivered a talk on “The Role of Voices of Unity in Promoting Youth’s Action and Cultural Diversity.” His speech explored how collaboration and unity among young Europeans can bridge cultural divides and enhance solidarity across borders. Katerina Solomonidou, an expert on sustainable agri-food systems and youth education then presented “How Can a Sustainable and Green EU Be Closer to Young Citizens?” focusing on sustainability, environmental stewardship, and green policies as essential priorities for Europe’s future, while encouraging young people to take an active role in the transition. This was followed by a presentation on “The Role of Youth as the Architects of United Europe” by Georgia Tsironi, an expert in regional development and cohesion policies, who emphasized the importance of civic participation and innovation in empowering young people to shape Europe’s next chapter.

Interactive sessions known as Youth Power Labs formed the heart of the program, enabling participants to transform ideas into concrete action. The first lab implemented by Dimitra Fantidou, “Prototyping Solutions for Local EU Challenges,” encouraged participants to work in teams and design innovative solutions for issues faced in their local communities, ranging from civic participation to sustainability. The second, “From Local to European Level: Exploring How Youth Can Influence EU Policy,” helped participants turn local initiatives into European-level proposals, ensuring that the perspectives of young people could contribute meaningfully to policy-making across the continent.

Debates and round tables further enriched the event. One of the highlights was the round table discussion coordinated by Stefania Zygomani on “EU Myths & Realities: Busting Euroscepticism through Youth-Led Storytelling,” where young participants used their voices to challenge misconceptions, share authentic experiences, and counter Euroscepticism with inspiring narratives of European cooperation.

The second day of the conference included a study visit to the Municipality of Voio and regional institutions in Western Macedonia, where participants explored youth policies, governance, and local decision-making processes. An open forum on co-designing civic life gave municipalities and young citizens the chance to engage in constructive dialogue about shared responsibilities and opportunities. The final debate, “Green Deal or Raw Deal? Youth on Europe’s Sustainability Agenda,” sparked an animated discussion on environmental challenges and the role of youth in shaping Europe’s green future.

The event concluded with a celebratory lunch and closing ceremony where the achievements of YET were recognized, and commitments to future cooperation were reaffirmed. To maximize the impact, YOUTHABILITY coordinated a wide-reaching communication campaign, with updates shared through websites, social media, newsletters, and media outlets. A digital summary including videos, photos, and participant reflections was also produced to inspire other communities and ensure continuity of dialogue at both local and European levels.

The YET conference, organized by YOUTHABILITY NGO, proved the transformative power of youth-led initiatives in building an inclusive and resilient Europe. Through high-level speeches, interactive Youth Power Labs, cultural exchanges, and collaborative debates, participants left empowered with new ideas and tools to drive change in their communities and beyond.

Key activities include project management and monitoring, roundtables, online surveys, the development of a Gaps Assessment Guide and TTC curriculum, online courses pilot-tested by higher education educators and launched through the HEAL OER and HEALingU app, and a transitional training workshop for educators to build TTC competencies. In addition, the project implements a communication plan, social media and email marketing strategies, multiplier events, a final conference, printed materials, and an impact assessment. HEAL ultimately aims to foster a more inclusive and supportive academic environment by embedding trauma-informed approaches in higher education systems, improving student well-being and performance, and establishing a strong network of stakeholders committed to trauma-informed education.