From 3-6 June 2026, Young European Ambassadors Kejvin Jaku, Paola Pesjaka, Lana Popivoda, and Mihajlo Kovač joined their peers from across Europe, in Chișinău, Moldova, for the Youth Policy Dialogue. The event provided a unique opportunity for participants to exchange ideas, develop youth-led policy recommendations, and engage directly with high-level decision-makers, including European Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighborhood Ms. Marta Kos and Moldovan President Ms. Maia Sandu.
Throughout the dialogue, participants worked in thematic groups to address pressing societal challenges. YEAs joined the group focused on violence against women in politics, identifying key barriers to women’s political participation and developing practical recommendations to tackle the root causes of this issue. These proposals were presented during an open discussion at the Presidential Palace, where participants exchanged views with President Sandu and Commissioner Kos on strengthening democracy, gender equality, and youth participation in policymaking.
Beyond the policy discussions, the event fostered meaningful cross-cultural exchange through guided tours of Chișinău and traditional Moldovan dinners, allowing participants to build lasting connections with other youth from across the region. YEAs shared that this experience was both empowering and inspiring, giving them the opportunity to advocate for issues they care about on a high-level platform while expanding their international network. They highlighted that the insights gained from European leaders and fellow young change-makers will continue to inspire their future work in youth activism, policy advocacy, and promoting inclusive democratic participation.