Come together:generation siX (3–5 May, 2006)
In a rapidly changing and highly interconnected world young people will need a wide range of key competences as an
integral part of a high quality education. Civic and social competence equips individuals to fully participate in
civic life, based on knowledge of social and political concepts and structures and a commitment to active and
democratic participation.
Who would know better about young people’s ideas and plans for the future, than they themselves? For this reason,
the Austrian Presidency invited young people from EU Member States or future Member States to a conference in
Linz. About 600 young people from 30 schools and 12 nations presented their projects and ideas and discussed with
politicians and representatives of the EU institutions.
The conference provided a space to consider topics that have gained vital importance for Europe’s youth, such as
education, mobility, the labour market, lifelong learning, sustainable development and cultural education against
the background of a changing knowledge society. Participants had the opportunity to articulate and exchange their
views, concepts and questions in a broad forum,
In trans–national school teams, students had worked on the general issue of «work – education – future» since
December 2005 in order to develop ideas for projects on the subjects of sustainable development, myth, gender and
mobility. On May 4, they could present and discuss their results with other students in almost a 100 parallel
workshops.
One of the most popular topics proved to be mobility (generation Erasmus) and closely connected the question of
«brain drain» from (South-)Eastern Europe to the West. According to a survey which was conducted as one of the
projects, education is seen in the first place as preparation for a later job, better chances for employment and a
secure existence, but also as self–development. Young people expect versatility and lifelong learning to become a
requirement which they are ready to meet. However, only 40% of the interviewees would imagine to study abroad.
Another central topic was education and sustainable development. The discussion focussed on active citizenship for
sustainable development. Learning in this context includes awareness, analysis, judgement and shaping of a
concrete situation in a creative and cooperative process.
Access to education and the labour market from a
gender perspective was another major issue. Which parameters influence career advancement?
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