This seminar invites participants to deepen their understanding of intergenerational concepts and misconceptions, reflect on their role in fostering constructive dialogue, and examine how societal challenges impact different age groups.
🎯 Theme
The Treaty on European Union affirms that “The Union… shall promote… solidarity between generations.”
Nevertheless, ageism, negative stereotypes toward certain age groups, and demographic shifts combined with multiple crises are fragmenting European societies, creating barriers to inclusion and participation.
These issues affect not only older generations but will also shape the future of today’s youth. At the same time, intergenerational solidarity and its positive contribution to economic development can sustainably address the needs of all generations, reinforcing democracy and social cohesion.
Demographic changes, economic pressures, and political polarisation are reshaping how generations perceive their societal roles and envision the future.
For this reason, intergenerational solidarity and dialogue are becoming central to youth work. Youth work is one of the few fields that can intentionally design spaces for learning, participation, and community-building, bringing different age groups into constructive interaction.
Strengthening intergenerational practices in youth work is directly tied to sustaining participation, trust in democratic institutions, social responsibility, and resilience.
The seminar will explore the key question: What do intergenerational solidarity and dialogue mean, and how can youth work address them?
📖 Content
The seminar will create a reflective space to explore both traditional and innovative approaches to building constructive dialogue between generations.
It will examine the role of youth work in fostering positive interactions among individuals and groups of different ages, values, beliefs, and cultural backgrounds.
Participants will investigate the concept of intergenerational solidarity—its meaning, significance, and relevance in contemporary societies.
Related notions such as intergenerational dialogue and fairness will be unpacked, highlighting distinctions and analysing the core elements of solidarity, along with its potential and limitations.
Current challenges in intergenerational relations will be addressed, with insights drawn from other sectors.
The seminar aims to inspire participants to adopt an intersectional perspective, making their programmes and organisations more inclusive, equitable, and responsive to diversity.
🌍 Aim of the Intergenerational Solidarity Cycle
To strengthen youth professionals’ diversity management skills, enabling them to build bridges across communities, empower young people to engage with age diversity, and create better opportunities for those experiencing or at risk of age discrimination.
🎯 Objectives of the Seminar
Develop a clear understanding of what intergenerational solidarity is—and is not—its mechanisms and effects,
Reflect on personal belief systems, structural challenges, and organisational practices,
Share strategies and practices that promote intergenerational solidarity as a tool for meaningful connections, community-building, and peace,
Reinforce intergenerational solidarity and anti-discriminatory behaviours among youth professionals.
📌 Date & Location
25–29 May 2026 | Vienna, Austria
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