2. Overview The Tenth International Youth Conference acknowledges the young people in SEE as one of the main creative and productive forces of the region, whose ideals and aspirations underpin the development of the region as a prosperous, democratic and stable region in the framework of the EU. Fifty-five (55) active young people from 15 countries (Macedonia (host country), Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, France, Greece, Germany, Kosovo, Monte Negro, Italy, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia and Turkey) will focus on promoting the European values as common values of young people in SEE. 2

3. Forum RecommendationsProposals … for further youth actions! 3

4. The International Youth Conference 2012 is about meeting people, finding solutions, communicating outcomes, making an impact and networking. 4 Conference board

5. Conference Objectives to experience EU values by exchanging realities, opinions and values with other active young people from SEE and Europe; to discuss and recognize different realities of important issues that influence young people and sustainable development of SEE and Europe in general, namely youth employment, new age media, active youth participation and young people & EU enlargement in SEE; to cultivate mutual understanding and respect for cultural differences and show the need of youth cooperation at regional level in SEE and European level in general in order to achieve more cohesion within the SEE and EU (in general) and contribute for effective youth activities (in particular); to develop creative and critical thinking, active participation and initiative among young people by motivating them to engage in projects developed at all levels; to get to know more about SEE and Europe and the important role the youth can play having an active citizenship for the future of EU enlargement in SEE. to identify recommendations and proposals for further youth actions for promotion of EU values among young people in Europe and particular in SEE. 5

6. Participants are experienced in the Youth field and familiar with the conference topics; are open to enrich their knowledge and awareness regarding the EU values, Youth work and EU integration of SEE and other Countries; are committed to prepare themselves for the conference subjects, previous to their arrival and to do the remote work requested by the team in case of selection; are motivated to undergo the conference and are able to attend the conference for its full duration; are supported by their organization and have a green light for networking and involvement in new project ideas; are able to communicate and work on the working language of this conference – in English language; are residents in a geographic region encompassed by the conference. 6

7. Effects On numerous occasions the IYC has served participants as a turning point, positively affecting their academic and professional careers through introducing them to areas and issues that they wouldn't experience otherwise. For many of the participants, the IYC is the first opportunity to travel abroad and explore another country. The conference helps them to expand their horizons, experience the joy of travel and discover new cultures and places. Again, it's an opportunity for them to step out of their comfort zones and experience the world at large. During the conference, many of the participants establish life-long friendships, which in a longer perspective may affect the decision making processes in their countries, promote international peace and non-violence, and determine outcomes of certain problems and crises. In one sentence the IYC “European Values for the Future of the Southeastern European Countries” should make a change and have great impact on the youth activism, active youth participation and empowerment of young people from SEE with common values for common future. 7

8. Strengths The International Youth Conference is a unique model that harmoniously combines academic and socio-cultural components. Throughout the conference the participants are guided by the facilitators, who as former IYC participants possess the knowledge and skills necessary to facilitate the discussions and the activities of the conference. During the IYC, participants have an amazing networking opportunity: with 15 countries represented they can build contacts with youth leaders, workers and active young people thus establishing relationships potentially useful in their youth work and future activities. This aspect comprises a long-term effect of the conference that directly links to the sustainability of the project. We, as young people, promote open mind behavior and this way of thinking enables us crossing so many borders. 8

9. Conference Methodology Lectures and presentations Workshops Discussions Group work in small groups Exchange of experiences and practices Participative approach 9

10. Conference structure The International Youth Conference “European Values for the Future of Southeastern European Countries” 2012 is an intensive 5-day program that equips participants with critical skills and knowledge through dialectical methods, as well as academic, practical and cultural activities. 10

11. AGENDA 11

12. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION. WE HOPE YOU A WONDERFUL STAY! ENJOY! 12