The video features perspectives from Presidents of the European Youth Forum and AGE Platform Europe on the MEET project, which aims to promote dialogue and collaboration across generations. This initiative brings together youth and older groups across Europe, focusing on fostering mutual understanding, addressing common challenges, and enabling all citizens to play active roles in society, regardless of age.
Background and Objectives of the MEET Project
Rares Voicu, President of the European Youth Forum, provides an overview of the MEET project, co-led by their organisation. MEET has engaged nearly 2,000 young and older people across 23 EU member states over the last two years. Through more than 17 democracy festivals, young and older people have come together to discuss the future of European democracy, build essential civic skills, and prepare for active participation in political processes. “The main highlight for me… was just being able to see other young people… discussing the future of our democracies,” says Rares Voicu, reflecting on the empowering impact these events have had on young participants.
Understand better each other with more interactions between generations
Heidrun Mollenkopf, President of AGE Platform Europe, highlights the issue of age-based isolation in modern society. According to Heidrun Mollenkopf, today we live in “different worlds,” with few opportunities to connect outside family circles. She notes, “We have almost no opportunities to meet and to talk together and to learn from each other,” stressing the importance of fostering spaces where these groups can interact. Both speakers observe that young and older people face challenges in being taken seriously, which affects their sense of agency, participating fully in decision-making and shaping their own lives, regardless of age, and the ability to lead in democratic and civic spaces.
Shared Obstacles Across Generations
One of the most significant challenges identified by Rares Voicu and Heidrun Mollenkopf is society’s tendency to undermine the autonomy of both younger and older people. “Society kind of takes away that sense of agency from you… it’s very tough to speak up against this prejudice,” Rares Voicu explains. “Older and Younger people face in a similar way prejudices and stereotypes with respect to their age, so we also have to join our forces when we are challenged by ageist attitudes,” continued Heidrun Mollenkopf. This issue, common across generations, manifests age-based discrimination, where ageist stereotypes and notions restrict people from making independent decisions or participating fully in society. These ageist stereotypes act as “self-fulfilling prophecies,” discouraging people from pursuing roles or activities that may not traditionally align with societal expectations for their age.
The Power of Dialogue to Overcome Prejudices
Both representatives agree that open dialogue is essential for dismantling age-based stereotypes and building mutual respect. Rares Voicu emphasizes the need for intergenerational conversations, stating, “The key to ending age-based discrimination or stereotypes is dialogue… actually sitting together at the table.” This dialogue should be free from prejudice, allowing each group to share experiences and insights openly. By understanding one another’s challenges and perspectives, both younger and older individuals can form deeper connections and combat ageist attitudes together.
Importance of Mutual Respect in Democratic Spaces
For young and older people alike, being actively included in democratic processes is crucial. By fostering an environment that values all age groups, societies can enhance the quality of civic engagement and political participation. “All of us, regardless of our age, have very valuable experience to bring to the table,” Heidrun Mollenkopf remarks, underscoring the importance of recognising the unique contributions each generation offers. The speakers stress that denouncing age-based discrimination in all forms is essential for enabling a democratic environment where every individual feels respected and empowered.
Recommendations for Future Actions
To build a more inclusive society, it is essential to create structured spaces for intergenerational dialogue and understanding. Both Rares Voicu and Heidrun Mollenkopf suggest that fostering opportunities for young and older people to engage in meaningful conversations will help dispel stereotypes, encourage empathy, and enhance collaboration. “We need more opportunities to learn, to listen, to hear from each other… to create a better understanding,” Heidrun Mollenkopf concludes, calling for more initiatives that bridge generational gaps and foster unity across age groups.
Conclusion
The insights shared in this video highlight the importance of intergenerational solidarity for a more inclusive and equitable Europe. By combating age-based stereotypes and promoting mutual respect, younger and older generations can work together to address shared challenges, ultimately contributing to a democratic society that values the perspectives and experiences of all its members. The MEET project serves as a powerful example of the positive impact that intergenerational dialogue can have on building a more connected and understanding society.
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