The Budapest Symposium » November 28-30, 2011

Context: The Open Society Foundations and the British Council are supporting a symposium series addressing key issues of youth policy. The symposia are being convened in a variety of international settings and engage expertise from the youth sector, development policy-making and programming, academic institutions, donor organisations and young people themselves. Each symposium aims to highlight international perspectives on the challenges, insights, successes and next steps for those engaged in youth policy work at national, transnational and global levels. Focus areas include: youth in conflict-affected areas, youth rights, youth participation, political participation, transitional justice, public health, gender and civil society. » More info

Call for expressions of interest

Call for Expressions of Interest: This two-day symposium in Budapest, convened with the Department of Public Policy, Central European University, will bring together a rich mix of 50 stakeholders from diverse backgrounds engaged in international programmes across Europe. A major aim is to discuss the understandings we have gained from recent instances of youth’s relationship to extremism and investigate strategies/ explore ideas for the future. Registration will be from 10.00 on the morning of Monday 28^th followed by 12.00 lunch and a 13.00 start; departures after closing session from 13.00 on Wednesday 30^th November. To express interest, please complete the form “Youth Policy Symposium – Expression of Interest” (see below).

Rationale: Much has happened and been discussed in the media over the last couple of years, suggesting links between youth and extremism. The UK riots, the shootings in Finland and Norway, the rise of the extreme right in Central Europe are just some examples. But what do we really know? What is just supposition? And what can we do with what we know? This timely event provides an opportunity to look closely at underlying causes so as to achieve a more informed common understanding. With this we can better identify the lessons learned and formulate ways forward at policy level and on-the-ground.

Format: The symposium will comprise focussed input highlighting current research, the presentation of case studies; thematic working groups; café-style multi-stakeholder dialogues to ensure the exchange of differing viewpoints and workshops demonstrating the use of different tools. Facilitation will be provided by youth and other organisations based in Budapest. Pre-event interaction and selected documents will be via youthpolicy.org.

Outcomes: The symposium will distil the results of research and good practice and provide the foundation for planning to strengthen the development of international policy and practice in this field.

Attendees: Participants will be from across Europe and provide a bridge to different communities: academic, political, agency, youth-led initiatives. This will include the UN family, Youth Councils, Universities and research institutes, donor foundations and international NGOs, the police, the media.
Everyone is a contributor.

Venue: Central European University, Budapest » www.ceu.hu

Documents:

1. This call for expressions of interest (pdf)
2. Registration form “Youth Policy Symposium – Expression of Interest” (doc)

Photo credit: Jenny Them at youthmedia.eu