European rural youth leaders and policy-makers to gather in Spain for the inaugural European Rural Youth Forward Conference

Piloña (Asturias), Spain | 24 February – 1 March 2026

Around 100 rural youth leaders and European policy-makers will gather in L’Infiestu, Piloña (Asturias, Spain) for the European Rural Youth Forward Conference 2026 – “From Vision to Action”, a high-level event dedicated to strengthening inclusive and participatory rural youth policy-making across Europe.

Organised by Rural Youth Europe (RYE) in collaboration with EPA! – Rural Youth of Spain, the conference will bring together presidents, secretary generals, and board members of rural youth organisations, alongside representatives of European and national institutions. 

Ketrin Kastehein, Chairperson of Rural Youth Europe says: “As we approach the 70th anniversary of Rural Youth Europe, we are thrilled to host the inaugural European Rural Youth Forward Conference in Spain. 

“This landmark event brings together young leaders and stakeholders from across Europe to foster collaboration, empowerment, and sustainable development in rural areas. This conference underscores our ongoing commitment to nurturing young voices and driving positive change across the continent.”

Read the programme

The Conference aims to amplify rural youth voices, foster meaningful dialogue between young leaders and decision-makers, and support the development of concrete, youth-led proposals for the future of rural Europe. 

The Conference will be attended by Matjaž Gruden, Director for Democracy at the Council of Europe, who will discuss the role of rural youth in the ongoing consultation process under the New Democratic Pact for Europe. This is a political and strategic process aimed at addressing the current democratic backsliding, launched in 2025.

In addition, Christophe Hansen, European Commissioner for Agriculture and a strong advocate for rural youth, has appointed a member of his Cabinet to represent him at the Conference. Participants will also hear from Glenn Micallef, European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport, through a recorded message, sharing his perspectives on empowering rural youth. 

Sara Álvarez Gómez, President of EPA! - Rural Youth of Spain says: “We believe that high-level public policies can only truly take root and improve our villages when they are shaped and supported by the active participation of local communities.

“That is why this conference is essential: to reflect together on how institutions should engage with rural youth and contribute to the future of our communities.” 

The event will feature high-level officials from across all levels of Spanish administration (local, regional, and national) who will take part as speakers, sharing their perspectives and expertise with participants.

A central element of the programme is the use of creative and participatory methodologies, inspired by non-formal education and cultural traditions, enabling participants to co-create policy prototypes that reflect real rural needs while experimenting with new democratic approaches.

The conference will also feature direct engagement with local rural communities, a stakeholders’ marketplace showcasing good practices from across Europe, and a dialogue laboratory with policy-makers, ensuring that youth perspectives are connected to concrete policy processes at national and European levels.

By the end of the event, participants are expected to leave with stronger networks, shared priorities, and actionable ideas to take forward in their organisations and advocacy work, contributing to a more inclusive and youth-responsive rural policy landscape. 

This event is co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union and the European Youth Foundation of the Council of Europe.