On International Youth Day, 12 August 2022, Congress Spokesperson on Youth, Laura Lauro (Italy, EPP/CCE), expressed her support for this year’s theme: “Intergenerational solidarity” and stressed the need to develop strong intergenerational connections to build more inclusive and democratic societies.

“Our towns, cities and regions offer the best platforms to encourage intergenerational exchange. It is at the level of communities that young and old can interact, learn from each other, and work together to find concrete solutions,” the Spokesperson stressed. Ms Lauro mentioned some examples, in particular in northern Italy, where young people came together to deliver food to families and elderly people in need, during the height of the Covid pandemic.

Furthermore, the spokesperson recalled that intergenerational solidarity must be built both ways. She encouraged all local and regional representatives to implement this principle in their communities, for example by setting up youth councils or a mentoring programme for younger politicians in their local or regional council.

Source: https://www.coe.int/en/web/congress/-/international-youth-day-creating-stronger-links-between-youth-and-other-generations-can-help-us-find-solutions-to-today-s-challenges-says-congress-spo