Youth Engagement at the European LEADER Congress 2025
The European LEADER Congress 2025, held from May 8–10, showcased a significant emphasis on youth involvement in rural development. The LEADER Youth Community, under the auspices of ELARD, organized a dedicated session spotlighting the pivotal role of young individuals in shaping the future of rural areas.
A highlight of the event was the election of the inaugural Youth in LEADER Board, establishing a robust leadership structure to amplify youth voices within the LEADER-CLLD framework. This initiative underscores ELARD’s commitment to fostering youth participation in decision-making processes and community-driven projects.
As we look ahead, the LEADER Youth Community is actively planning for the upcoming year, seeking input to ensure that the perspectives and ideas of young people continue to influence rural development strategies across Europe.