The 50th meeting of the Joint Council on Youth (CMJ), which brings together representatives from the European Steering Committee for Youth (CDEJ) and the Advisory Council on Youth (CCJ), takes place in the European Youth Centre Budapest on 9-10 April 2024.
A broad range of issues concerning young people at pan-European level will be discussed. The meeting will start with an opening address by Marja Ruotanen, Director General of Democracy and Human Dignity, followed by a discussion on 4th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Council of Europe, 16-17 May 2023, Reykjavik and its follow-up by the Youth Sector, including an exchange of views with Mathieu Mori, Secretary General of the Congress for Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe.
For its 50th meeting, special emphasis will be put on the continued work on integrating a youth perspective in the Organisation’s intergovernmental and other deliberations, a key decision of the Reykjavik Declaration that adds to the principle of youth participation in decision-making. In this regard, the CMJ will review, with a view to their adoption, the preparation of a Council of Europe Reference Framework for a Youth Perspective.
Furthermore, efforts undertaken to support Ukraine and the Ukrainian youth sector, as well as reinforcement of Council of Europe activities in Ukraine under the Framework agreement with Ukraine and the “Youth for Democracy in Ukraine” project, will be discussed.
Additionally, the Join Council on Youth will discuss a draft CM recommendation on young people and climate action, which addresses a priority issue for young Europeans and encourages member States to respect and fulfil their fundamental rights when they are advocating for clean and healthy environment.
The CMJ will also discuss the proposal for a European Conference of Ministers for Youth and the 4th European Youth Work Convention under the Presidency of Malta 2025, be updated on the preparations of the salient events for the youth sector in 2024-2025, including the 75th anniversary of the Council of Europe.
The CMJ will also appoint Rapporteurs for 2024-2025 on Gender Equality, Roma and Traveller issues, Rights of persons with disabilities, and Rights of the Child.
