European Pillar of Social Rights

YES Forum and its member organisations are committed to breaking down the barriers that prevent disadvantaged youth from accessing quality education, training, and employment.

Through tailored upskilling and reskilling initiatives, we support young people, particularly those who are NEET, to develop the competencies and confidence needed for long-term integration into the labour market.

At the same time, we strengthen the capacity of youth and social care professionals, enabling them to better support disadvantaged young people and engage in meaningful policy advocacy at both national and EU levels.

We recognise that young women often face additional barriers to accessing opportunities. We have an organisational culture where different perspectives are valued, and where all staff and collaborators regardless of gender, ethnicity, age, disability, or socio-economic background feel respected, supported, and empowered to contribute. This commitment is reflected not only in our internal operations, but also in how we design our activities, select participants, and engage with our wider network.

We promote inclusive practices to our member organisations, and support young women to build confidence, develop competencies, and explore diverse career pathways through our project and mobility opportunities, contributing to a more balanced and inclusive labour market.

Our network actively embraces diversity as a societal strength. By including all young people regardless of their background, disabilities, or socioeconomic status in our programmes, we dismantle the barriers that lead to exclusion and pave the way for a more equitable society.

Moreover, by supporting disadvantaged young people on their educational and professional paths, we empower them to overcome systemic barriers and realise their full potential. Through our tailored programmes and targeted capacity-building initiatives, we provide essential skills, mentorship, and access to quality education and training opportunities. This approach not only enhances their personal and professional development but also fosters a more inclusive society, ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to contribute meaningfully.

Our activities are designed to support and empower disadvantaged youth in their transition to adulthood. Through the assistance provided by our member organisations, we address a wide range of challenges ranging from financial, psychological, educational, social, and physical issues. Our innovative reskilling and upskilling initiatives tackle both youth unemployment and skills mismatches across the EU, facilitating smoother transitions into the labour market.

In addition, we actively promote European funding opportunities, particularly those focused on social funds, to further strengthen our capacity to support disadvantaged young people. With our work we also contribute to a reinforced Youth Guarantee that more effectively addresses regional differences across Europe and gaps, particularly in outreach to rural areas and those who need it most.