Fostering policy dialogue on youth, migration and integration

International, regional and local actors recently came together in an online dialogue to exchange perspectives on youth empowerment in the context of migration and refugee integration, highlighting the value of cross-border dialogue in informing public policy.

The online exchange brought together organisations and institutions from Spain, Cyprus, Ireland and France, alongside representatives from Catalonia, creating a shared space for policy discussion and knowledge exchange. The discussions underlined the importance of international collaboration in addressing complex social challenges and in supporting inclusive approaches to youth empowerment.

Connecting international perspectives with local and regional policy debates

A dedicated session focused on policy recommendations through the presentation of a set of policy briefs which served as a starting point for a structured dialogue between policy makers and organisations working directly with young migrants and refugees. You can download the policy briefs here:

The roundtable discussion, moderated by Elizabeth Colucci, Director of International Projects at Obreal, brought together representatives from the Generalitat de Catalunya, the Sitges City Council, and the youth organisation Fundación Esplai. Speakers shared insights on youth empowerment, capacity building and the role of youth organisations in supporting migrant and refugee inclusion, particularly in the Catalan context.

The discussion also explored how international experiences and comparative perspectives can inform local and regional policies, and how youth organisations can act as key intermediaries in intercultural dialogue, including through the use of diverse media tools.

The session concluded with an open exchange with the audience, reinforcing the interactive nature of the dialogue. Participants and speakers were subsequently provided with the policy briefs, supporting their continued use in policy reflection and practice.