Young people in the Mediterranean region must be included every step of the way, from policymaking to implementation. They shape not only policies but also life, as highlighted in the debate held by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC).

The debate linked to the adoption of the opinion on Youth involvement in social and civil dialogue in the Mediterranean region, held at the EESC’s January plenary session, is the first EESC opinion to take into account the input of youth representatives from the region. Eight young representatives contributed to the drafting process.

During the debate, the Commissioner  for the Mediterranean region, Dubravka Šuica, stressed the importance of young people for the prosperity, stability and resilience of the region. ‘The future of the Mediterranean is in the hands of its young people. For a shared and sustainable future, we must engage with young generations directly, ensuring that their voices guide our policies and priorities. Together, we will shape the new pact for the Mediterranean by investing in education, jobs and growth.’

EESC president Oliver Röpke gave his support for Commissioner Šuica’s new pact, which targets investment, sustainability and migration, adding that civil society must be actively involved in designing it. ‘Youth engagement is essential for the region’s future, and the EESC is committed to ensuring that their voices shape policy and decision-making. Together with the Union for the Mediterranean and the Anna Lindh Foundation, we are striving to build a peaceful and thriving Mediterranean.’

Underlining the importance of the young representatives’ contribution to the opinion, Princess Rym Ali, president of the Anna Lindh Foundation, said that working with young people is not only important, but urgent and generative. ‘There is so much at stake. Without the buy-in of youth, without offering them tools to participate equally, we cannot build a solution for the future. They need a seat at the table’, she said.

Eliane El Haber, youth representative for the opinion and advisor at the UNESCO Sustainable Development Goal 4 Youth and Student Network, embraced the EESC’s initiative to actively involve young people who represent diverse regional, gender, educational and cultural backgrounds. (at)