Youth and Dialogue Forum
On 24 November 2025, young people and professionals from Germany, Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the South Caucasus gathered in Berlin for the Future in Exchange youth conference. This full-day event provided a space for participants to reflect on, discuss, and envision the future of international youth cooperation.
The forum opened with welcome statements from Gregor Beyer, Director for European Affairs at the Ministry of Finance and European Affairs of the State of Brandenburg, and Dirk Udo Fricke, Member of the Board of the West-Eastern Encounters Foundation.
The morning continued with an interactive dialogue session moderated by Lisa Wernz of MAGNET – Werkstatt für Verständigung. This session invited participants to discuss various topics: Participants shared their expectations and hopes for the coming years, as well as the worries and concerns they face. The dialogue also explored what young people need from international youth work today. Questions regarding project goals, participation, practical obstacles and the real added value for young people were examined from various perspectives.
In the afternoon, the forum continued with three parallel workshop sessions focusing on practical methods and tools for youth cooperation. One workshop focused on building meaningful group dynamics and fostering trust among participants. Another presented effective approaches for fostering active civic participation before providing practical insights into media-based youth projects and the power of creative communication. The third workshop examined the growing importance of digital resources and tools in transforming the methods and reach of international youth work.
At the end of the day, the workshop results were presented to the plenary session, giving all participants the chance to connect the many ideas, inspirations and approaches developed throughout the forum.
The conference ended with a party featuring DJ Sianna, giving participants the chance to dance, connect and enjoy a lively, informal atmosphere.
Commissioning partner of the Future in Exchange forum was the Ministry of Finance and European Affairs of the State of Brandenburg.
We would also like to thank the Juve Foundation – Youth Connects (in formation), the Eurasia Partnership Foundation, the Yeghvard Youth Ecological NGO and Copernicus Berlin e.V. for their cooperation.
Photos: Sandra Kuehnapfel (conference & workshops), Alexandra Majorov (party)