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Employment and Social Affairs
Employment & Social Cohesion
Employment, adequate social conditions and well-being are among the greatest concerns for young people. Youth all over Europe is at high risk of social exclusion and poverty, especially during the transition from education to employment. The European Youth Forum works towards the increase of employment opportunities and decent working conditions for young Europeans aiming to guarantee their social inclusion and autonomy, with adequate levels of social protection, and in an adequate environment supporting their health and well-being.
Employment
In past years, the European Youth Forum has developed a deep analysis of situations in the area of employment and the formulation of policy demands, increasing its role as a key stakeholder at the European level, as well as establishing strategic partnerships. Moreover, in a youth approach to the European social model, the YFJ has put on the table a set of basic elements that ensure a comprehensive, inclusive and participatory approach in developing social policies.
In 2009-2010 it is now time to move ahead in strengthening the situation of young people in the labour market. A key tool for this is to produce good practices in the role of youth organisations by promoting employment of young people. The YFJ will therefore coordinate, together with its members, a large-scale, long-term, trans-national project aimed at developing the best practise on how to create decent jobs for young people.
Health
Health and well-being are paramount to young people’s lives, the European Youth Forum addresses these issues with due concern. Young people can face many specific health threats and it is crucial both to empower them to make healthy lifestyle choices, but also to tackle the social, economic and other structural obstacles they face in leading a healthy life. Youth organisations which work with young people, involving them and letting them gain competence and confidence, are key actors for preventing bad health and risky behaviour.
In 2009-2010, following the adoption of the Policy Paper on Health and Well Being of Young People, the European Youth Forum will continue strengthening its work and will focus particularly on the mental health of young people, and their well-being, notably by further exploring and highlight the relevant contributions that non-formal education and peer-learning can make. The YFJ will therefore contribute to the implementation and further development of the EU mental health strategy ‘Together for mental health: a strategic approach for the EU 2008-2013,’ and lobby for young people’s involvement in the development of health policies at all decision-making levels, to ensure that health policies are relevant and accessible, and that they take the different needs, experiences and backgrounds of young people into account.
Sustainable development
Sustainable Development is usually defined as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.’ It therefore encompasses many areas which are of interest for and have impact on young people. Social, economical, environmental and cultural dimensions, among others, need to be taken into account. Following the adoption of the Policy Paper on Sustainable Development in 2006, the YFJ has been developing this area and mainstreaming the concept of sustainable development into the various fields of work. It has also acknowledged climate change as an overarching and inauspicious threat to development and to future generations and is committed to help tackle the issue, while continuing its work in development cooperation.
Climate change is a clear focus of the work plan 2009-2010. In 2009 the most important steps towards an agreement on mitigating and limiting climate change will take place through the adoption of the new climate convention in Copenhagen. The European Youth Forum will therefore ensure the coherent input of youth organisations in the parallel political processes of international institutions. Together with its partner organisations from all regions of the world, the YFJ will advocate for policies and action on climate change. Furthermore, the YFJ will suggest the wider adoption of new measures of development, in accordance with the EU Sustainable Development Strategy. In this sense, it will continuously advocate for studies distinguishing the concepts of growth and development in public debate.
Employment, adequate social conditions and well-being are among the greatest concerns for young people. Youth all over Europe is at high risk of social exclusion and poverty, especially during the transition from education to employment. The European Youth Forum works towards the increase of employment opportunities and decent working conditions for young Europeans aiming to guarantee their social inclusion and autonomy, with adequate levels of social protection, and in an adequate environment supporting their health and well-being.
Employment
In past years, the European Youth Forum has developed a deep analysis of situations in the area of employment and the formulation of policy demands, increasing its role as a key stakeholder at the European level, as well as establishing strategic partnerships. Moreover, in a youth approach to the European social model, the YFJ has put on the table a set of basic elements that ensure a comprehensive, inclusive and participatory approach in developing social policies.
In 2009-2010 it is now time to move ahead in strengthening the situation of young people in the labour market. A key tool for this is to produce good practices in the role of youth organisations by promoting employment of young people. The YFJ will therefore coordinate, together with its members, a large-scale, long-term, trans-national project aimed at developing the best practise on how to create decent jobs for young people.
Health
Health and well-being are paramount to young people’s lives, the European Youth Forum addresses these issues with due concern. Young people can face many specific health threats and it is crucial both to empower them to make healthy lifestyle choices, but also to tackle the social, economic and other structural obstacles they face in leading a healthy life. Youth organisations which work with young people, involving them and letting them gain competence and confidence, are key actors for preventing bad health and risky behaviour.
In 2009-2010, following the adoption of the Policy Paper on Health and Well Being of Young People, the European Youth Forum will continue strengthening its work and will focus particularly on the mental health of young people, and their well-being, notably by further exploring and highlight the relevant contributions that non-formal education and peer-learning can make. The YFJ will therefore contribute to the implementation and further development of the EU mental health strategy ‘Together for mental health: a strategic approach for the EU 2008-2013,’ and lobby for young people’s involvement in the development of health policies at all decision-making levels, to ensure that health policies are relevant and accessible, and that they take the different needs, experiences and backgrounds of young people into account.
Sustainable development
Sustainable Development is usually defined as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.’ It therefore encompasses many areas which are of interest for and have impact on young people. Social, economical, environmental and cultural dimensions, among others, need to be taken into account. Following the adoption of the Policy Paper on Sustainable Development in 2006, the YFJ has been developing this area and mainstreaming the concept of sustainable development into the various fields of work. It has also acknowledged climate change as an overarching and inauspicious threat to development and to future generations and is committed to help tackle the issue, while continuing its work in development cooperation.
Climate change is a clear focus of the work plan 2009-2010. In 2009 the most important steps towards an agreement on mitigating and limiting climate change will take place through the adoption of the new climate convention in Copenhagen. The European Youth Forum will therefore ensure the coherent input of youth organisations in the parallel political processes of international institutions. Together with its partner organisations from all regions of the world, the YFJ will advocate for policies and action on climate change. Furthermore, the YFJ will suggest the wider adoption of new measures of development, in accordance with the EU Sustainable Development Strategy. In this sense, it will continuously advocate for studies distinguishing the concepts of growth and development in public debate.
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