CONNECTING YOUTH THAT RECOGNIZES THE IMPORTANCE OF THE REGIONAL COOPERATION

 

Priority area 10 has been bringing together youth from various fields for many years in a row. We have identified and recognized young experts as the most active part of the society that understands the importance of cooperation, regional connectivity and exchange of good practices, expertise and opportunities. It has proved to be a good choice for widening the knowledge about Danube region and Strategy for Danube region as they are spreading the information quickly as any other part of our citizens at the moment.

In last years we have invited representatives from all 14 countries at least twice a year for meetup at various occasions, let it be Bled Strategic Forum held in Slovenia or active participation of young entrepreneurs and startups at conference PODIM. For enhancing our efforts, an Action plan for youth involvement is being prepared and will be discussed at this year’s Danube participation day that will be held at the end of June in Bucharest.

This week we are hosting group of almost 30 innovative, active and open-minded young representatives from Danube countries that are attending regional conference Podim in Maribor, Slovenia. Podim is conference that has become a hub for innovators and young entrepreneurs from East and Central European countries and wider, that are paving the way for better cooperation, understanding of each other and always searching for new possibilities for working together. It is not just bringing together business, research and innovation, but exploring what people think, have experienced and how larger groups can benefit from that.

During their stay in Slovenia, young Danube experts are be able to listen to inspirational speeches, learn from practical

workshops, meet 1:1 with reginal leaders from various fields, meet up with like-minded peers and bring home practices that will influence their daily work in Danube region. Experiences from last years have proved that innovative environment is inspiring new connections and approaches that are of vital importance for cooperation within Danube and bring wide implications to various fields of regional cooperation in the fields of public administration, public life, culture, innovation, education and broader.