EYE2021 = An incredible experience!

I am so proud to have had a chance to represent my country as a Young European Ambassador at the European Youth Event 2021 in Strasbourg, France. Now, let me explain why I call it an incredible experience!

Personally, it was one of the busiest weeks of my life but also one of the best ones. The journey started even before we went to Strasbourg. First, I submitted my ideas to the Youth Ideas Portal and then started creating some daily video diaries. When I checked the program of the event, I saw so many interesting and important topics for discussion that it was hard to choose the sessions to attend, since a few of them were happening simultaneously. I was getting more and more excited as we were getting closer to the event. Finally, the time has arrived!

During the event, together with the YEAs from other EU and EaP countries, we had a chance to go to the European Parliament, participate in different panel discussions, and exchange ideas. It was also a great opportunity to build our network and promote our initiative. I tried to attend as many sessions as possible. Some of the most insightful ones were “The Future of Work – Job and Skills after the pandemic”, “27+ Youth Take on EU Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement”, and “Digital democracies- threat or opportunity?”.

I wanted to particularly focus on digitalisation, as it became an even more relevant topic with the start of the global pandemic. As you may already know, the European Union is supporting the digital reform agenda in Azerbaijan within the EU4Digital Initiative. It aims to improve the work of governmental institutions, boost economic diversification, and help Azerbaijani businesses with eCommerce For example, thanks to the EU4Digital initiative, e-agriculture is now strongly supported in Azerbaijan, and this is only one example!

Finally, in addition to the formal side of the European Youth Event, there was an opportunity to connect with other YEAs from all over the EU and EaP countries. Together we had a chance to share our views and cultures, get to know each other, and shape the future together because we are “Stronger Together”!