Empowering young voices: SEDEC commission discussed youth employment, participation and innovation in Sofia

The European Committee of the Regions’ Commission for Social Policy, Education, Employment, Research and Culture (SEDEC), together with Sofia Municipal Council, organised a seminar in Sofia, Bulgaria, on 7 November, to discuss the role of youth participation in society and economy.

The seminar brought together representatives from European institutions, local and national authorities, youth organisations and innovation hubs to discuss the vital role of young Europeans as active partners in strengthening the social and economic resilience of cities and regions and in shaping Europe’s future.

During the first panel, ‘The Youth Guarantee on the Ground – Local Solutions for Real Inclusion’, participants discussed how to better align EU-level strategies, such as the European Youth Strategy and the Youth Guarantee, with local and regional initiatives to make youth participation a reality on the ground, ensuring that it is not only encouraged in principle but effectively implemented in practice across Europe’s territories.

The second panel, ‘From Local Skills to Local Startups – Nurturing Youth Innovation’, showcased examples of youth entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystems. Participants highlighted the importance of youth-led entrepreneurship, skills development and digital transformation as key drivers of sustainable growth and innovation in European cities and regions. 

On 5-6 of November, SEDEC members participated in the ‘Capacity Building for Innovation for Place Based Transformation’ workshop at Toplocentrala, Centre for Contemporary Arts in Sofia organised by the Joint Research Centre. The two-day event promoted collaboration, peer-learning and stimulating hands-on learning around key themes such as digitalisation, climate adaptation, circular economy and youth participation.

 Quotes:

Heike Raab (DE/PES), State Secretary, Rhineland Palatinate State Government and Chair of the SEDEC Commission: "Local and regional leaders are on the front line of empowering young people by creating spaces where they can work, innovate and be heard. We know that youth participation starts in our cities and regions. Investing in young people locally means strengthening democracy, cohesion and Europe’s sustainable future.”

Tsvetelina Simeonova-Zarkin (BG/Renew E), Municipal Councilor in Sofia Municipal Council: "In Sofia, we believe that young people are not just the future — they are already shaping our cities today. Empowering them means giving them trust, mentorship, and real opportunities to lead."

Background

 Video from the event.