The Inclusion & Diversity Forum (I&D Forum) 2024, held in Ostend, Belgium, from 11 to 14 June 2024, brought together more than 130 policymakers, youth workers, and inclusion professionals from across Europe. Organised by SALTO Inclusion & Diversity, the forum focused on reviewing the achievements of inclusion efforts within the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps programmes, strengthening advocacy initiatives, and shaping future strategies for more inclusive youth programmes.

Throughout the forum, participants exchanged good practices and practical approaches to making youth programmes more accessible, explored ways to increase the participation of young people with fewer opportunities, and fostered collaboration and peer learning among Inclusion & Diversity Officers from across Europe.

Our Association's President, Cemile Elif Serbest Soscia, served on the Advisory Group established during the forum's six-month preparation process. The group was formed to facilitate the participation of persons with disabilities and to ensure that the forum was designed as an inclusive and accessible event. Throughout this process, she contributed to the preparations by providing recommendations and expert input on accessibility, reasonable accommodation, and inclusive participation.

We are proud to have contributed to this important European initiative, which advances inclusive youth policies across Europe, and we remain committed to promoting the equal participation of persons with disabilities in international youth programmes and supporting the development of more inclusive youth work.