VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Ministers responsible for youth from the 46 member states of the Council of Europe gathered in Valletta for the first Ministerial Conference on Youth in 13 years, under the theme “Young People for Democracy: Youth Perspectives in Action.”
In a statement, Malta’s Youth Ministry said the event underscored the country’s commitment to fostering youth participation, dialogue, and empowerment across Europe.
The conference concluded with a collective call to strengthen young people’s role in democratic life and reinforce youth policy as a cornerstone of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
Minister Clifton Grima and Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset highlighted the urgent need to rebuild young people’s trust in democratic institutions through genuine dialogue and inclusion.
At the close of proceedings, ministers adopted the Valletta Declaration, recognising youth as key agents of change in Europe’s digital, demographic, and environmental transitions. They pledged to turn these principles into concrete action through national and regional policies.
The declaration calls for greater investment in citizenship education, intercultural dialogue, and peacebuilding, while addressing youth unemployment, housing barriers, education gaps, and mental health challenges.
Ministers also reaffirmed young people’s rights to free expression, peaceful protest, and environmental activism, expressing solidarity with those affected by conflict and digital exclusion.
In his closing remarks, Minister Grima welcomed Luxembourg’s announcement that it will host the next Ministerial Conference in 2028.
-Photo DOI-
(ITALPRESS).
