Gozo based voluntary organisation Innovative Youth has successfully hosted the MIJARC Europe Executive Committee and Regional Coordination Meeting in Gozo, which brought together youth leaders from across Europe to discuss sustainable rural development, youth participation, and the future of rural communities.
Held under the theme “Empowering Rural Youth for a Sustainable Future,” the meeting gathered representatives from MIJARC member organisations across several European countries.
The programme featured strategic discussions, intercultural exchanges, and field visits, with a strong focus on how young people can lead innovation, environmental action, and social transformation in rural and island contexts.
In his opening address, Ryan Cefai Mercieca, President of Innovative Youth, welcomed delegates and highlighted the significance of hosting the meeting in Gozo – a region that reflects the resilience, creativity, and strong community spirit of rural areas across Europe.
“Gozo represents more than an island – it represents the determination of small communities to adapt, innovate, and thrive,” said Mr Cefai Mercieca. “By bringing MIJARC Europe here, we wanted to show that youth from rural and island areas are not on the periphery of change – they are at its heart. Together, we are building a Europe that listens to its young people, invests in its rural future, and connects sustainability with solidarity.”
Throughout the meeting, participants engaged in discussions on sustainable agriculture, youth leadership, the green transition, intercultural dialogue, and rural entrepreneurship. They also visited local initiatives and community projects in Gozo that showcase innovative approaches to sustainability and local development.
Juliana Zapata, Treasurer of Innovative Youth, was also present at the meeting, underlining the importance of engaging in international programmes that promote entrepreneurship and encourage active youth involvement in environmental transformation efforts.
Participants praised Innovative Youth for its organisation and hospitality, noting that the meeting provided a valuable space for strategic planning, collaboration, and peer learning. Representatives of MIJARC Europe reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening youth participation in European policymaking, particularly for young people from rural, agricultural, and island backgrounds.
“This collaboration between Innovative Youth and MIJARC Europe demonstrates how international youth movements and local organisations can work hand in hand to generate real impact,” Mr Cefai Mercieca added. “It is a reminder that meaningful dialogue begins at the community level – when people meet, listen, and learn from each other.”
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to joint European projects focusing on climate action, youth empowerment, and inclusive rural development, alongside plans for continued cooperation between Innovative Youth and MIJARC Europe in the coming years.
The event was supported by the MIJARC Europe Secretariat, in collaboration with Innovative Youth and local partners, with the aim of reinforcing Gozo’s role as a hub for youth cooperation and sustainable rural innovation.
If you want to know more about the organisation’s projects, please visit the Facebook page [1]
Photo: Innovative Youth