Youth Policy Dialogue with Commissioner Hadja Lahbib - Preparedness starts with youth

On 26 February 2025, Commissioner Hadja Lahbib, supported by the Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO) and the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA), will hold the first EU Youth Policy Dialogue on Preparedness in Brussels, Belgium. This event will provide young participants the opportunity to share their views and engage in discussions on citizens’ risk awareness, disaster, and health preparedness from a youth perspective.

The dialogue aims to shape the EU’s enlargement policy and programming initiatives by incorporating young people's voices. It will address young people's priorities, including challenges in risk awareness, support for prevention and preparedness work, and views on policy initiatives in emergency preparedness and societal resilience.

This initiative is part of the EU’s preparedness strategy, a key component of the 2024-2029 Commission’s strategic vision for European crisis management and civil preparedness. Engaging young people is crucial to ensure their role in all phases of disaster risk management: prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery.

After the dialogue, a follow-up report summarizing the discussions will be published on the European Youth Portal and other platforms. Participants will be encouraged to provide feedback to inform future Youth Policy Dialogues, fostering ongoing collaboration and communication.