Covid-19 has had a dramatic impact on young people’s mental health, amplifying their feelings of stress, depression and uncertainty, as revealed in international studies. The survey research conducted by the Youth Board of Cyprus (2021) indicates that stress and pressure are currently the most common feelings/issues among young people in Cyprus.

According to the research, six out of ten young people (mostly female) stated that they have felt the need to visit a mental health professional. The study concluded that there is a high level of mental resilience among young people, since they seem to have the ability to recover from difficulties they encounter in their life. Mental health is undoubtedly one of the most important contributory factors to the quality of life of young people. Young people’s views on finding ways to tackle their negative feelings and on ways to support them are of vital significance.

Young people’s contribution is fundamental for democracy, peace, as well as for overcoming social challenges, especially in the aftermath of the covid-19 crisis.

Youth participation in decision making processes and in youth policy making is one of the main pillars of the National Youth Strategy. YBC Youth Barometers of 2020 and 2021 reveal a very low interest in politics among the youth. More specifically, in the 2^nd Youth Barometer 55% of the respondents expressed little or no interest in politics.

The increase of youth participation in matters related to their personal, social and professional life are a primary objective both on national and on European level, aiming at achieving a ‘youth for the youth’ engagement.

The enhancement of young people’s employment and of youth entrepreneurship are of great significance for the employment policies in Cyprus and in the EU.

According to YBC 3^rd Youth Barometer, the main issues of concern for young people are related to their professional prospects (employment 48%, career prospects 19%, low salaries 16%, unemployment 12%, job retaining 5%). It is worth noting that employment issues had been the main concern of young people in the two previous Youth Barometers.

The development of an entrepreneurial culture though formal and non-formal learning, and the support of entrepreneurial activities of young people are also among the priorities in the youth sector.

2022 is the European Year of Youth, aiming to provide all kinds of support to young people, especially those with fewer opportunities. Topics that are related to social welfare are social inclusion, housing, social wellbeing and counselling services. Following the pandemic’s social impact, particular attention should be paid to vulnerable groups of young people, in order to achieve social welfare on a wider scale.

According to the 3^rd Youth Barometer 2021, social stereotypes and prejudices are currently the second most pressing problem for young people in Cyprus.

Tackling all kinds of social taboos and stereotypes that prevent groups of young people from building their future as they have dreamt of it and live their life without carrying the label of being different is a major condition for the development of a healthy society without exclusions and prejudices.

Cyprus faces two major challenges: The need for a green transition and the need for a digital transformation, both of which are set as priorities for the EU (European Green Deal).

Climate change and environmental degradation are an existential threat to Europe and the world. Hence, the need for fundamental reforms and actions that will bring a greener and more sustainable development are now more urgent than ever. Digital technologies offer a unique potential for the formation of sustainable economy and green development.

Youth work consists of a wide range of activities (social, cultural, educational, sport, environmental) which are done with, by and for the youth, through non-formal and informal learning. Youth work has three main features: focusing on young people, personal development and voluntary participation.

The adoption of a European Youth Work Agenda promotes coordinated actions on both national and European levels that will lead to a wholistic development in the sector of youth work, enhancing its quality, recognition and integration in the youth policies and strategies.

Culture has a transformative power which improves local communities and fosters a feeling of identity to people of all ages. Culture may act as a powerful tool for citizenship development for current and future generations.

Youth may serve as a bridge between cultures and as a key for the promotion of peace and intercultural understanding. Therefore, among the YBC priorities are facilitating youth cultural interaction, encouraging cultural creativity, and making art and culture accessible to all.

The Conference on the Future of Europe is a citizen-led series of debates and discussions that will enable people from across Europe to share their ideas and help shape our common future.

2022 is the European Year of Youth  shining a light on the importance of European youth to build a better future – greener, more inclusive and digital. The dialogue revolves around a wide range of topics, such as mental health, climate change, migration, digital transformation, etc, which have an immediate effect on young people. Young people have a leading role in setting the vision and ideas on which the future of Europe and Cyprus will be built.

One of EU main goals is the creation of opportunities for high-quality training for all citizens. According to YBC 2^nd Youth Barometer, 89% of young people value life-long learning.

Training opportunities outside school, university and beyond formal education should offer young people tools and skills that will lead to personal, social and professional development. In the context of green and digital transition, digital skills acquire an even greater importance.

Moreover, in order to facilitate young people’s employability, up-skilling and re-skilling trainings become even more significant.