ESU-IDEA Symposium: Supporting inclusive governance for sustainable democracy

To mark the EU Day of Intergenerational Solidarity, the Office of International IDEA to the EU and the European Seniors’ Union co-hosted a Symposium on “Supporting inclusive governance for sustainable democracy”.

Central guest speaker was: Ms. Marianne Thyssen, European Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion. Ms. Thyssen underlined the importance of the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights to enhance prosperity, fairness and social protection for all.

Representatives of European political parties and their Youth and Seniors wings were given the opportunity to present short statements, highlighting their priorities to promote inter-generational solidarity, in preparation for the 2019 elections of the European Parliament. A panel discussion on “Involving generations in Dialogue for Democracy and European inter-generational solidarity”, took stock of challenges, opportunities, and best practices of inter-generational cooperation.

Andrew  Bradley,  Director  and  Head  of  the  Brussels’ Office  of the International IDEA to the EU moderated the panel. Discussants were: Julia Krebs, European Students’ Forum (AEGEE Europe), Mathilde  Poncelet,  Head  of  Public  Relations  and  Communications,  Ja Europe,  Alec de Laminne de Bex, Mentor and Julie Boson, Advocacy Coordinator, Duo for a Job. Some closing remarks were presented by Anne-Sophie Parent, Secretary-General, AGE Platform Europe, highlighting some developments some new challenges, and… the never ending need for solidarity between generations.