#2 Inspiration moment: Engagement and Voices of the Youth

On Wednesday, September 17, 2025 the P&V Foundation organized “Engagement and Voices of the Youth”, an inspiring gathering focused on youth participation. Researchers, field practitioners, and young people shared their experiences to better integrate youth voices into organizations, research, and public policy. 

The P&V Foundation: young people at the helm of change

Each year, the P&V Foundation creates a space for dialogue between academic research, field expertise and the voices of young people. As a foundation by and for young people, we ensure they have a say not only in projects and juries, but also, in the future, in the strategic decisions of the Foundation.

Today, young people are at the forefront of societal challenges, yet their voices often remain underrepresented in public debates about their future. However, research shows that young people want to be heard and are eager to contribute to change. Their voice is essential: it sheds light on the future and highlights what needs to change.

Program

During “Engagement and Voices of the Youth”, we brought together researchers, field practitioners, and young people to exchange ideas and experiences on how youth voices can be integrated into all domains: in the daily operations of organizations, in governance, research, and public policy.

Plenary session

Introduction by the P&V Foundation and our chairs Olivier Servais (UCLouvain) and Jessy Siongers (VUB/UGent), together with Fien Pauwels (VUB)

Who are we, what is our mission and approach, why are we organizing this event, and what is the current state of youth engagement and voice in Belgium?

Inspiring good practices presented

The audience then had the opportunity to listen to three good practices and engage in conversation. Seven organizations presented how they involve young people, what motivates them, which actions are successful, and what obstacles they encounter. Discover them below!

Child Citizen Lab by Els Dumortier

A new interdisciplinary initiative from the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) aiming to change how children and youth are involved in academic research. The goal is to develop ethical and inclusive science and to consider children and youth as full citizens and co-researchers.

Forum des Jeunes (Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles) by Amélie Lelièvre

The official voice of French-speaking Belgian youth aged 16 to 30. This organization conducts consultations on topics relevant to youth, formulates official advice based on the results, and presents it to policymakers. In addition to its political advocacy role, Forum des Jeunes places youth participation at the heart of its operations – a project by and for youth, making them active players in society.

Jong Panel VIERNULVIER by Kaj Zwerver and Mohammed Kassab

VIERNULVIER is a Ghent-based arts institution that strengthens the cross-pollination between the arts and the local and global community. Its youth panel is an example of direct youth participation in cultural governance. Young members provide operational, financial, and artistic feedback to the coordination team and board.

Molenbeek Rebels Basketball by Catriona Byl and Massandje Latifa Cisse

A social-sports project using sports as a lever for the empowerment of girls from vulnerable backgrounds. Youth are more than just players: they run the club and take on active roles such as coach, referee, youth board member, and even club president. This bottom-up approach, supported by strong vision and guidance, breaks the traditional top-down model.

Play4Peace by Louis-Dorsan van Caloen

This organization aims to develop the personal and professional potential of youth by breaking social barriers through sports and coaching. It mobilizes and engages youth through mentorship programs and coaching. Young people are central to their own development.

ULB Engagée by Julie Duval

A non-profit based on the ULB campus that plays a central role in promoting social engagement within the university community. It offers concrete initiatives to involve youth, including students, in projects with social impact.

YAP Plan International Belgium by Kato Luykx

Plan International Belgium works toward a better world for all children, with a particular focus on girls’ rights. As part of an international federation, it creates impact through projects with and for children and youth, policy advocacy, and awareness-raising. In the Youth Advisory Panel (YAP), young people make their voices heard, guide the organization, and take action for social and political change.

Interactive discussions with engaged youth

The next part of the event was dedicated to interactive discussions between engaged youth and the audience about youth engagement and voice.

Giving voice to youth

In the first conversation, Rayan Awad, Youssef El Haddaji, and Arno Berck shared their experiences as young people driving change from the ground up. They spoke about how their organizations – from Youth Unity Empowerment to Red-Side Academy and Chapp de Mic – offer youth opportunities to express themselves through e.g. music, sports, and entrepreneurship projects. They emphasized the importance of lowering barriers so that all youth can participate, regardless of background or resources. Accessibility, they said, is essentially openness.

They also spoke about the power of expression: what cannot be said might be written, rapped, or shared. This fosters mutual respect and creates space for difference – and for making a difference.

Engagement as strength and compass

In the second conversation, Maïté Meeûs, Adélaïde Charlier, and Virginie Nguyen Hoang spoke about their engagement in feminism, climate action, and human rights. Their stories showed how indignation, sorrow, or helplessness can be transformed into energy and action. “My anger has become a creative force,” one of them said. “The only antidepressant I know in these times is engagement.” The hope of driving change and inspiring others provides motivation to keep going.

They also addressed the role of media and social networks: youth are overwhelmed by images and fake news, and media literacy is urgently needed. “We live in a society of spectacle,” they noted. At the same time, social media can be a powerful mobilizing tool, as long as it remains authentic and collectively focused, rather than ego-driven. “It’s not about the boat or who is on it, it’s about the cause,” was a quote about the Women Wave Project by Adélaïde and Maïté.

A shared hope

Despite their different stories, all speakers shared the same belief: change begins when young people take the lead. By creating more space for their voices, creativity, and emotions, we can build a more just and hopeful future together.

Closing words from our Youth Forum

Two members of our Youth Forum, Adam Lamarti and Inès Dehogne, concluded this inspiring day with their reflections and message for the future! Discover their words here.

Learn more about the journeys of the young people involved in the detailed program. (only available in French)