SALTO Inclusion & Diversity Resource Centre - Inclusion & Diversity Forum

Background

The Inclusion & Diversity (ID) Forum has become the central European platform for exploring inclusion and diversity in the EU youth programmes. Organised at key moments, the Forum provides a space for reflection, dialogue, and forward-looking vision-setting.

As the 2021-2027 generation of Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps comes to an end, 2026 is a key moment to reflect on what we have achieved and what still needs to improve in the Inclusion & Diversity Strategy. 

At the same time, the Forum will help shape the next generation of EU youth programmes (2028-2034). We will also explore how inclusion and diversity connect to other EU priorities, such as Preparedness and Intergenerational Fairness.

Young people across Europe are facing many challenges -- including mental health struggles, the digital divide, job insecurity, lack of affordable housing, climate anxiety and growing pressure on democratic values. These challenges affect participation, wellbeing and equal opportunities. The Forum will explore how European youth programmes can respond to these realities and contribute to a more just and inclusive society.

After three successful editions, the ID Forum continues to grow, building on the insights, impact, and experience to create a more meaningful, accessible, and inclusive Europe. Once more, drawing inspiration from the ID Roadmap launched in 2021, this year’s theme is 'Maximising Impact'.

How can European youth programmes and projects create meaningful and lasting change in inclusion and diversity?

How can we ensure that our work:

• reaches more young people,
• creates sustainable change in organisations and communities,
• and has long-term impact beyond a single project?

Through keynote inputs, panel discussions, round tables, study visits and co-creation workshops, we will explore practical examples and develop new ideas together.

Find out more about the upcoming and previous editions of the ID Forum at idforum.salto-youth.net.

Aim & Objectives

General aim: To strengthen inclusion and diversity in EU youth programmes by connecting people, sharing knowledge and building cooperation across stakeholders active in the field of inclusion & diversity within the EU youth programmes (Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps). 

Objectives:

• To look back and learn from the current Inclusion & Diversity Strategy and the EU youth programmes (2021-2027) - what worked well and what we can improve.
• To shape the future together by exploring how the next EU youth programmes (2028-2034) can better include and support young people with fewer opportunities, and how the Inclusion & Diversity Strategy can make a real difference in their lives.
• To explore how inclusion and diversity relate to today’s challenges, such as mental health, the digital divide, climate change and threats to democracy, as well as the EU upcoming strategies on Preparedness, Union of Skills and Intergenerational Fairness, and to reflect on how youth programmes can help build a more just and inclusive society.

Approach & Methodology

The Forum will use non-formal education methods, including:

• peer learning and exchange,
• interactive workshops,
• group work and reflection,
• co-creation sessions,
• plenary sessions,
• keynote speakers and panel discussions.
• learning from local inclusive practices,

The programme will build on participants’ experiences and knowledge. You may be invited to actively contribute before or during the Forum by sharing a practice, leading a session or contributing to discussions.

We aim to make the ID Forum itself an example of inclusive practice that you can take back to your own work.