On 15 November 2024, the Youth Department hosted Lika Johnston, CoE Desk Officer for the US State Department, and Yann Agert, US Consular and Political Assistant, at the European Youth Centre in Strasbourg. Clementina Barbaro, Head of the Youth Policy Division, and Gordana Berjan, Head of the European Youth Foundation, welcomed the guests and introduced them to the work of the European Youth Centre of the Council of Europe.

The visit offered valuable insights into the work and activities of the Youth Department. The unique co-management system of the Youth Department was highlighted with its collaborative approach, involving the Advisory Council on Youth, which allows young people not only to advise but also to actively co-decide and co-implement policies and decisions. Among the highlights discussed were the Council of Europe’s Quality Label for Youth Centres and the department’s ongoing initiatives.

Finally, the meeting allowed the opportunity to exchange on a key upcoming event for the next year 10th Ministerial Conference on Youth, taking place on 30 September to 2 October 2025 in Malta - to which the US will be invited to take part.