The European Commission has announced the names of the fifteen inspiring young people from around the world who will enrich the debates at the 2019 European Development Days (EDD). These Young Leaders, aged between 21 and 26, have been chosen from among 404 applicants from 99 countries for their exceptional skills, expertise and active contributions to find solutions to development issues.
They will share their vison on how to address inequalities to build a world which leaves no one behind, the main topic of this year’s edition of the EDD. The Young Leaders Programme aims to ensure that young people have their say on the issues spotlighted each year.
The Young Leaders will be able to share their views and experiences with heads of state, human rights activists, business and industry leaders, policymakers,entrepreneurs, representatives from non-governmental organisations and academics during the forum’s high-level panels
This year the EDD will take place on 18th and 19th June 2019 in Brussels and focus on promoting inclusiveness and equality as a catalyst for progress towards global sustainable development. The EDD 2019 will examine and discuss the goals of the 2030 Agenda and the EU’s commitment to addressing inequalities.
The EDD 2019 forum – Addressing inequalities: building a world which leaves no one behind – will be structured around the three main themes: Why inequalities matter for sustainable development; Understanding the structural causes of inequalities; Working better together through more effective policies to address inequalities; and the 5 “Ps” of the 2030 Agenda: People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, Partnership.
Each year, the forum attracts more than 8 000 participants from over 140 countries worldwide, representing 1 200 organisations from the development community. The forum fosters a true spirit of partnership with all development actors. Everyone is given a voice in this open, collaborative and inclusive platform.
Each year, the global development community is invited to contribute directly to the official EDD programme by proposing activities and sessions. Since its launch in 2006, the forum has been an incubator of new ideas to bring about real change towards a poverty-free, sustainable and fairer world, where everyone has the opportunity for a decent life.
