The seminar ‘Youth as promoters of sustainability: the European Youth Card as a tool to reinforce sustainable mobility’ takes place in Vitoria-Gasteiz (European Green Capital in 2012), Basque Country on 30 November - 1st December under the auspices of Council of Europe, the European Youth Card Association and the Government of Basque Country.

The event is organised in the framework of Partial Agreement on Youth Mobility through the youth card, a cooperation agreement signed by 25 Member States of the Council of Europe, agreeing to priorities and mainstream mobility in youth policies.

The seminar focusing on sustainability offers a space for debate, update and participation of decision makers, young people, youth workers and private sector around the topic. The event brings stakeholders from 17 nationalities to reflect, debate and find common solutions

on how to empower and support the young generations to take the driving seat on topics related to climate change, just economic transition and sustainability. The profile of participants comprises of representatives of national and regional governments across Europe, youth card organisations, young activists, NGOs and private sector representatives.

'The role of young people as promoters of sustainability has gained increased relevance in the Council of Europe policy agenda. The Reykjavik Declaration has called  for additional efforts to counter the impact of the triple planetary crisis of pollution, climate change, and loss of biodiversity on human rights. It has elaborated on the interlinks between human rights and the environment and recognized that a “clean, healthy and sustainable environment is integral to the full enjoyment of human rights by present and future generations".

The draft Recommendation on Young People and Climate Action, currently under preparation by the Council of Europe youth statutory bodies, encourages member States to promote sustainable mobility by developing and implementing policies that prioritize active and sustainable modes of transportation, such as walking, cycling, and public transport. Member States are also encouraged to provide safe and accessible infrastructure for these modes of transportation and to ensure that they are affordable and accessible to all young people, including those from marginalised or disadvantaged groups. Member States are also encouraged to support the development of sustainable mobility initiatives led by young people, such as bike-sharing schemes and carpooling networks, and to provide funding and resources for these initiatives' (Clementina Barbaro, Head of the Youth Policy Division).

‘Euskadi Government has a strong commitment to implement the Agenda 2023 and this is reflected in our youth policies and constant dialogue with young people. We are trying to improve actions especially on 13th Sustainable Development Goal - Climate Action and we have 7 strategic projects to achieve it. We allow citizens participation in production of renewable materials through cooperatives’  (Miren Saratxaga - Youth Director, Basque Country Regional Government)

The event took place in Palacio Europa and in Ataria, two outstanding locations representative for both the European dimension of the event, but also in line with the thematic. Sustainability is a topic with multiple meanings and the young generation is one of its strongest promoters. From sustainable traveling, to sustainable fashion and being more aware of their behavior as consumers, young people are demanding companies and brands to be environmentally aware, while keeping political representatives accountable for their positions on protecting the Planet.

‘It is of strategic importance for us to place the European Youth Card services at the centre of discussion on sustainability and empowering the young generation. We are using our complex infrastructure - cooperation with business sector, access to accommodation, transport companies and public authorities - to do our bit for a more sustainable economic model and a better future for young people’ (Miguel Perestrello - EYCA President)

The event is part of a series of seminars organised every year by the Council of Europe in partnership with EYCA. Other themes included democratic participation of young people, resilience and mental health after the COVID pandemic, combating extremism and radicalisation among youth and supporting quality in youth work ecosystems across Europe. More about the PA on Youth Mobility and all activities CLICK HERE