international youth fair in vilnius

Although coming from diverse backgrounds, all of these people are facing similar challenges in starting their new lives abroad and integrating into the new foreign environment, but most importantly rebuilding community ties damaged by decades of oppressive systems and prevailing cultures of non-participation, violence or polarization. Those challenges are particularly relevant for the youth which have to gain certain skills and experience necessary to build free and democratic societies in the future. Those skills could be gained while living, studying or working in a host country as well as integrating into the local organizations and communities. 

The International Youth Fair aims to draw public attention to the issues of integration and engagement of the youngest members of foreign diasporas in Lithuania, as these generations are going to determine the future of their countries. It will feature a joint space of organizations, projects and public/private institutions offering memberships, activities and courses other than Lithuanian language as well as a panel discussion with a number of selected speakers that will help foreign youth in Lithuanian to build stronger ties with the local communities and develop skills to shape future societies.

More information about the event and the time schedule on the Facebook Event.

For a free registration, please use this Google form.

Program:

16:00 -16:30 Registration and Networking
16:30 – 16:45 Opening Speeches
16:45 – 17:45 Panel Discussion “Integration of foreign youth in Lithuania: challenges, approaches and future vision”
17:45 – 19:45 Snacks, drinks and the International Youth Fair

Panelists:

• Stepan Sodel, European Humanities University (EHU) Debate Union
• Vidmantas Mitkus, Head of the Youth Department at the Vilnius City Municipality
• Dovilė Šakalienė, Member of the Seimas
• Hanna Kholad, Goethe-Institut Vilnius
• Inga Vederytė, NGO „Active Youth“
• A representative of the Diversity Development Group

Moderator: Sergej Stoma, president of the association „Jaunimo debatai“

International Youth Fair, participating organizations:

• 22 Bendra būtis
• European Humanities University
• Active Youth
• Team Europe Junior Lithuania
• American Council
• Education USA
• Association „Jaunimo debatai“
• Junior Chamber International
• AIESEC Lithuania
• Red Cross Lithuania Youth programme