European Capital of Youth - round table

19th September 2009
MMC KIBLA at 18.00

KIBLA Association for Culture and Education and EPeKa Scientific and research association for art, cultural-educational programmes and technology have organised a round table dedicated to the European Capital of Youth. Apart from representatives of both associations, the participants included representatives of the following youth organisations: Youth center Diavlos, Volos, Greece; Lokalny Punkt Informacyjny Eurodesku w Kowarach Gminne Centrum Wolontariatu, Kowary, Poland and HodinaH, Brno, The Czech Republic.
The concept of the European Capital of Youth was explained, which can be assigned to European cities for the period of one year. During this year the cultural, social, political and economic development of the city in the field of youth and youth work can be presented at a European level. The title of the European Capital of Youth encourages ideas and creative projects related to active participation of young people in the society, striving to make holders of this title an example to all other European cities. The programme comprises various youth events, workshops, trainings, cultural events, exhibition, sport events... In 2009, the prestigious title was won by Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and in 2010 the European Capital of Youth will be Turin, Italy. All participants to the round table agreed that the title increases the recognisability of the city and encourages development in the field of youth in the city and broader region. ACE KIBLA and ZRZ EPeKa have expressed their interest for Maribor City Council to apply for the title of the European Capital of Youth. ACE KIBLA shall organise an additional round table as to What Maribor lacks? hosting a representative of the city council as well as local youth organisations, and a discussion on youth violence.