What EU4Youth Days 2025 taught me about connection, change, and youth power

What happens when we gather hundreds of young changemakers from across Europe and beyond in one place, each with a story to tell, a vision to share, and a mission to lead change?

That’s exactly what EU4Youth Days 2025 felt like – a powerful reminder that connection sparks change, and that young people have the power to shape tomorrow. For two days in Brussels, the answer was clear: we experienced energy, enthusiasm, inspiration, and the strong sense that the future isn’t just something we wait for, but something we’re already building. From October 8-9, I had the opportunity to take part in EU4Youth Days 2025 – not just as a participant, but as a representative of the Young European Ambassadors’ (YEAs) network. While the programme itself was filled with inspiring sessions and exchanges, for me, the journey had begun long before I arrived in Brussels.

Travelling from Armenia to Belgium was more than just a physical journey; it marked a shift in perspective. Somewhere above the clouds, with the Caucasus mountains behind me and the heart of the European Union ahead, I found myself reflecting: What might this experience teach me not only about others, but about myself?

The two-day programme focused on three major themes: Civic Participation, Employment and Skills, and Social Business and Entrepreneurship, with cross-cutting topics like inclusion and diversity, gender equality, education, climate action, digital transformation, and mental health shaping the discussions.

During the event, I had the opportunity to present the work of the YEAs at the Project Market, where various youth initiatives and organisations showcased their activities. It was an excellent platform to increase visibility for our mission, engage with fellow participants, and exchange ideas across borders. The genuine interest expressed by attendees from different countries reaffirmed that the work we do as YEAs is not only relevant, but essential – particularly in the context of strengthening cooperation between the EU and its Eastern partner countries. The experience highlighted the importance of youth-led networks in fostering dialogue, building understanding, and creating long-term impact across the region.

The panel discussions and workshops were equally enriching. Each session offered insights into current trends, challenges and innovative solutions across the youth sector. Among the most impactful topics for me was Social Entrepreneurship. I was particularly inspired by the stories of young changemakers using entrepreneurial tools to address social and environmental challenges, turning ideas into sustainable, community-driven solutions. Their work served as a powerful reminder that entrepreneurship is not only a pathway to economic opportunity but also a means of generating long-term social value.

The event also provided space to reflect on broader issues affecting young people in the region, including mental health, access to quality education, gender equality, and digital inclusion. These conversations were not only thought-provoking, but also equipped us with new perspectives and practical tools to take back to our local communities.

What stood out throughout the entire experience was the sense of unity and shared purpose. Despite our diverse backgrounds and experiences, we were united by a common commitment: to contribute meaningfully to our societies, strengthen regional cooperation, and empower other young people to do the same. The atmosphere was one of collaboration, openness, and mutual respect, a true testament to the potential of youth-led initiatives and international partnerships.

As I reflect on EU4Youth Days 2025, I carry with me new knowledge, meaningful connections and a deeper sense of responsibility as part of the YEAs network. This experience reaffirmed my belief that young people are not only stakeholders in shaping the future, we are active agents of change today. Platforms like EU4Youth Days are essential to ensuring that youth voices are heard, valued and translated into action.

I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to participate, to represent the Young European Ambassadors and to contribute to a broader dialogue that reaches beyond borders. The journey continues, and I’m more motivated than ever to keep working toward a more inclusive, sustainable, and connected region, together with other young leaders who share the same vision.