The 2025 World Youth Development Forum (WYDF), held from July 15 to July 20 in Suzhou and in Shanghai, successfully concluded with a powerful focus on harnessing the potential of youth to drive global development. With more than 500 participants from over 100 countries, this global gathering marked a pivotal moment in mobilizing youth-led solutions for today’s most urgent global challenges.

The event’s theme, “Unleash Youth Potential for Global Development,” provided a platform for youth leaders, government representatives, international organizations, and youth organizations to come together and explore innovative solutions to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges. The forum’s discussions reflected a shared commitment to fostering youth-led actions for sustainable development and global progress.

The forum was marked by the launch of three major initiatives aimed at accelerating youth-driven solutions: International Youth Advocacy for Unleashing Youth Potential, 100 Excellence Actions of the Global Youth Development Action Plan 2025 and Acceleration Week for Global Youth Development. These initiatives aim to empower youth across the globe and accelerate global efforts to achieve a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future.

At the opening ceremony, Gilbert F. Houngbo, Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO), delivered an address in which he highlighted the urgent need for decent jobs and economic opportunities for the world’s 1.2 billion young people. Mr. Houngbo reaffirmed the ILO’s commitment to supporting youth empowerment through initiatives focused on digital literacy, green transition skills, and enhancing youth participation in decision-making processes.

Thematic Forum on Artificial Intelligence & Technology Innovation

A major thematic session on Artificial Intelligence and Science & Technology Innovation brought together 150 youth leaders from 64 countries. The session focused on how technological advancements are reshaping the future of work and creating new opportunities for youth worldwide. Discussions centered on the importance of equipping young people with the skills needed to thrive in the digital and green economies, which are increasingly becoming integral to future job markets.

Youth-Led Green Consumption and Sustainability Innovations

The forum also highlighted youth-led initiatives in green consumption and sustainable development. Innovators from around the world shared their solutions to combat climate change, promote renewable energy, and foster sustainable lifestyles. These young leaders demonstrated how innovation and new technologies, alongside grassroots advocacy, can drive environmental change.

The European Youth Association played a central role in this year’s WYDF, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of China-Europe relations. The China-Europe Youth Leader Development Forum underscored the growing impact of international collaboration in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals, with youth at the center of these efforts.

With the successful outcomes of the 2025 WYDF, the European Youth Association is committed to continuing its work in empowering young people worldwide. The association looks forward to fostering cross-regional collaboration and advocating for sustainable solutions to the most pressing global challenges, all while ensuring that youth are at the forefront of these efforts.

As the forum concluded, participants left with a renewed sense of purpose, driven by the knowledge that youth have the power to shape the future and contribute to a more inclusive, sustainable, and equitable world.

Првиот ден започна со презентација на нацрт транснационалната стратегија за промоција на циркуларната економија за електронски отпад (е-отпад), по што следуваа осум регионални бизнис маркет анализи за е-отпад од земјите учеснички. Овие сесии поттикнаа вредна дискусија за тековната состојба на системите за е-отпад низ регионот, при што беа истакнати и заеднички предизвици и примери на напредок.

Еден од највпечатливите моменти на работилницата беше посетата на јавното претпријатие Комуналец во Кичево, каде што партнерите се запознаа со локалниот систем за управување со отпад и водеа отворена дискусија со локалните лидери. Посетата обезбеди важен контекст за реалните услови во регионот и ја нагласи важноста од подигање на јавната свест за правилно ракување со е-отпадот.

Подоцна истиот ден, групата ја посети Општина Кичево, каде што беше претставен локалниот акциски план за управување со отпад. Планот опфаќа локални иницијативи за зајакнување на циркуларната економија и поддршка на долгорочна одржливост.

Идни насоки на проектот

Вториот ден, партнерите беа запознаени со онлајн алатките на транснационалната канцеларија ADREEE – дигитална платформа дизајнирана да ја поддржи соработката и тестирањето на решенија за време на пилот фазата.

Последната сесија од работилницата беше третиот состанок на Управниот Одбор, каде што водечкиот партнер ги сподели постигнувањата од вториот период и ги претстави приоритетите за следната фаза од имплементацијата. Посебен акцент беше ставен на прецизното известување и координација, со што беа воведени и месечни состаноци за поддршка на натамошниот напредок.

Зајакнување на соработката

Работилници како оваа не се клучни само за следење на напредокот и усогласување на плановите, туку и за градење доверба и подлабока соработка меѓу партнерите. Во Кичево, тој дух на тимска работа беше јасно присутен, и во формалните сесии и во неформалните разговори.

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Earlier this month, partners of the Interreg IPA Adrion CircleWaste project gathered in Kicevo, North Macedonia, for the third Validation Workshop. Over two days, the group focused on reviewing progress, exchanging ideas, and planning the next steps – all in a collaborative and constructive environment.

The first day began with a presentation of the draft Transnational Strategy for the Promotion of the eWaste Circular Economy, followed by eight regional eWaste Business Market Assessments from participating countries. These sessions sparked valuable dialogue on the current state of e-waste systems across the region, highlighting both shared challenges and examples of progress.

One of the workshop highlights was a visit to the local Public Enterprise Komunalec, where partners learned more about Kicevo’s waste management system and engaged in open discussions with local leaders. The visit provided important context on the real-world conditions in the region and emphasized the importance of raising public awareness around proper e-waste handling.

Later that day, the group visited Kicevo’s Town Hall, where the municipality’s Local Waste Management Action Plan was presented. The plan outlines local initiatives to strengthen the circular economy and foster long-term sustainability.

Steering the Project Forward

The second day, partners were introduced to the ADREEE Transnational Office Online Tools, a digital platform designed to support collaboration and solution testing during the piloting phase.

The final session of the workshop was the third Steering Committee Meeting, where the Lead Partner shared achievements from Period 2 and outlined priorities for the next phase of implementation. Emphasis was placed on accurate reporting and coordination, with monthly meetings introduced to support progress moving forward.

Strengthening Collaboration Across Borders

Workshops like this are key not only for tracking progress and aligning plans, but for building trust and deeper cooperation between partners. In Kicevo, that spirit of teamwork was clear, through formal sessions and informal conversations alike.

We’re honored to have hosted as PP10 and thank PP9 Kicevo and all our partners for their outstanding cooperation, input, and dedication during the event..

Our CEO Dejan Ilioski represented Europe and Macedonia at the International Volunteer Forum in Sochi 2019, where more than 6,000volunteers from all countries of the world participated in the event.

“Truly honored to share the platform with people that I admire greatly and to talk about SDGs and our Future Team’s goals. They will all change the world for the better! “Making a change to the world” is not as difficult as it may sound. Even a little good deed contributes significantly.

Representatives of all regions chose SDG 4 Quality Education as the most relevant goal of the volunteer projects back home. Special attention was paid to the importance of non-formal learning.

It had also been quite beautiful to be invited to the annual ‘’Volunteer of Russia 2019″ ceremony, awarded personally by President Vladimir Putin.” It was beautiful seeing the pride of the community they build together.

We hope this international exchange will further lead to impactful projects and initiatives. It also helped us to realize that despite major differences countries in all parts of the globe has to address the same challenges.

“Leaving no one behind”