🌍 About the Forum
The Inclusion & Diversity Forum (ID Forum) 2026 is one of the key European events dedicated to strengthening inclusion and diversity within EU youth programmes such as Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps.
The Forum will bring together around 150 participants from across Europe and neighbouring partner countries to exchange experiences, learn from each other and develop ideas on how EU youth programmes can become more inclusive, accessible and impactful.
The year 2026 is a crucial moment because the current Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps programme cycle (2021–2027) is approaching its final phase. This event will provide space to reflect on achievements, identify gaps and contribute ideas to shape the next generation of EU youth programmes (2028–2034).
The theme of the 2026 edition is “Maximising Impact”. The Forum will explore how youth projects and programmes can create lasting change for organisations, communities and young people with fewer opportunities.
Participants will discuss how youth programmes can better respond to current challenges young people face such as mental health struggles, the digital divide, housing insecurity, climate anxiety and pressure on democratic values.
🎯 Objectives
🌍 Reflect on the implementation of the Inclusion & Diversity Strategy within EU youth programmes (2021–2027)
📊 Identify lessons learned and good practices across Europe
🤝 Strengthen cooperation among organisations, institutions and youth actors working on inclusion
🚀 Contribute ideas for the future EU youth programmes (2028–2034)
🧠 Explore links between inclusion and broader European priorities such as Preparedness, Union of Skills and Intergenerational Fairness
🧩 Methodology
The Forum will apply non-formal education approaches and participatory learning methods including:
👥 Peer learning and exchange of experiences
🧠 Interactive workshops and reflection sessions
🎤 Keynote speeches and panel discussions
🤝 Round tables and co-creation workshops
🌍 Learning from local inclusive practices through study visits
Participants may also be invited to contribute actively by sharing their practices, leading sessions or contributing to discussions.
👥 Participants
The Forum will host around 150 participants including:
👥 Youth workers, youth leaders and social workers working with young people facing barriers
👥 Activists, community organisers and youth work multipliers
👥 Policymakers and youth advocates
👥 Researchers focusing on youth participation and inclusion
👥 Inclusion & Diversity Officers from National Agencies
👥 Representatives of youth organisations, European institutions and international networks
Applicants should:
🌍 Have experience related to inclusion and diversity in youth work or youth policy
🤝 Be motivated to share knowledge and engage in discussions
💡 Be interested in exploring how youth programmes can create long-term impact
Applications from people with lived experience of participation barriers are strongly encouraged.
📍 Location
🇫🇮 Pajulahti Olympic & Paralympic Training Center
Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes from Helsinki Airport, Finland.
The Pajulahti Sports Centre is Finland’s official Olympic and Paralympic Training Centre, offering accessible facilities and inclusive sports infrastructure integrated with surrounding nature.
📅 Activity Dates
🗓 Arrival: 14 September 2026
🗓 Working days: 15–16 September 2026
🗓 Departure: 17 September 2026
Duration: 2.5 working days + arrival and departure
🌍 Eligible Countries
🌍 Erasmus+ Programme Countries
🇦🇹 Austria, 🇧🇪 Belgium, 🇧🇬 Bulgaria, 🇭🇷 Croatia, 🇨🇾 Cyprus, 🇨🇿 Czech Republic, 🇩🇰 Denmark, 🇪🇪 Estonia, 🇫🇮 Finland, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇭🇺 Hungary, 🇮🇸 Iceland, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇱🇻 Latvia, 🇱🇮 Liechtenstein, 🇱🇹 Lithuania, 🇱🇺 Luxembourg, 🇲🇹 Malta, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇳🇴 Norway, 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇲🇰 North Macedonia, 🇷🇴 Romania, 🇷🇸 Serbia, 🇸🇰 Slovakia, 🇸🇮 Slovenia, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇸🇪 Sweden, 🇨🇭 Switzerland, 🇹🇷 Türkiye
🌍 Partner Countries Neighbouring the EU
🇦🇱 Albania, 🇩🇿 Algeria, 🇦🇲 Armenia, 🇦🇿 Azerbaijan, 🇧🇾 Belarus, 🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina, 🇪🇬 Egypt, 🇬🇪 Georgia, 🇮🇱 Israel, 🇯🇴 Jordan, 🇽🇰 Kosovo, 🇱🇧 Lebanon, 🇱🇾 Libya, 🇲🇩 Moldova, 🇲🇪 Montenegro, 🇲🇦 Morocco, 🇵🇸 Palestine, 🇷🇺 Russian Federation, 🇸🇾 Syria, 🇹🇳 Tunisia, 🇺🇦 Ukraine
📅 Application Deadline
🗓 19 April 2026
📅 Selection Results
🗓 5 May 2026
Application Link
http://trainings.salto-youth.net/14544
Additional Information
https://idforum.salto-youth.net
Download Documents
📄 Additional Information
https://www.salto-youth.net/tools/european-training-calendar/download/salto%5Ctrainingcalendar%5Cmodel%5CDownload-10701/Additional%20information%20Inclusion%20%26%20Diversity%20Forum%202026.pdf
⚠️ Important Notice
1️⃣ Source of Information
This announcement has been prepared based on the information provided by the project coordinator.
2️⃣ Responsibility for Content
The project coordinator is solely responsible for the accuracy, details, and updates of the opportunity content.
3️⃣ Right to Modify or Withdraw
Coordinating organisations reserve the right to make changes after publication — including dates, activity details, or application deadlines — or to withdraw the announcement entirely.
4️⃣ Disclaimer of Liability
YouthWorks Hub is not responsible for any such changes, updates, or cancellations made by the project coordinators.
💡 Final Note:
All listings are shared for informational purposes only. Please always verify details directly through the official project coordinator or programme website before applying.
