Public Dialogue

While advocacy is an essential part of each activity, public dialogue is also a strategic priority in itself for EFIL as an umbrella of AFS organisations, representing and bolstering their work and priorities. Under the Strategic Plan 2026-2028, EFIL focuses on four specific strategic objectives at European and regional levels, with an overarching aim to contribute to expanding access to inclusive and high quality intercultural mobility.

We contribute to public dialogue by utilising research and the engagement of our Member Organisations.

EFIL is committed to evidence-based policy and practice, and will continue utilising research to develop policy recommendations and its activities. For this purpose EFIL will gather knowledge from its Member Organisations, collect and analyse data and contribute to research in fields that are not yet explored in the area of intercultural learning and mobility. For example, EFIL will continue coordinating the European Knowledge and Stakeholder Hub on Individual Pupil Mobility. Through dissemination of research and a more active participation and strengthened public dialogue efforts in platforms at European level, EFIL will promote the relevance and impact of the work of EFIL Member Organisations. Furthermore, solid evidence will increase partnership-building efforts and access to funds, for EFIL and its Member Organisations.

We foster public dialogue on policies and funding for inclusive learning mobility and active global citizenship, including through co-operation between formal and non formal education.

EFIL will contribute to public dialogue with the objective of promoting intercultural learning and inclusive mobility into the relevant policies, and creating a favourable environment to them. To this end, EFIL will collect and analyse data on the benefits of cooperation between formal and non formal education. EFIL will promote the findings to public institutions to ensure this cooperation is enabled and fostered. Research findings, strengthened relations with institutions, and partnerships with like-minded organisations will be the key to influence changes at the policy level, and expand the funds available for not-for-profit organisations that strive to contribute to implementation of those policies.

Member Organisations intensify their participation in public dialogue at national level, with EFIL support.

EFIL Member Organisations aspire to strengthen their participation in public dialogues at national level, utilising an evidence-based approach and the connections with institutions and like-minded organisations built by EFIL. EFIL will offer Member Organisations tailored support based on an analysis of their specific context and organisational needs, to ensure effective stakeholder engagement and relevant impact at national level, which will then nurture the impact at the European level. EFIL will also continue providing relevant information, tools, training, and opportunities for exchange of know-how among Members. Participation in public dialogue at national level is essential to reach policy changes both at national and European level, as European level policies are discussed by representatives of national governments.

Advocacy Community of Practice

EFIL aims to support young people’s participation in democratic and civic life in Europe and invites volunteers to represent EFIL and AFS externally on a number of decision-making bodies, platforms, and at national and European level.

Advocacy platforms

EFIL is a member of several formal platforms at European level through which we put forward the added value of youth exchanges and the AFS volunteering reality.

European Youth Forum

The European Youth Forum (YFJ) is the platform of youth organisations in Europe, representing 100 youth organisations, both National Youth Councils and International Non-Governmental Youth Organisations

Learn more

Lifelong Learning Platform

The Lifelong Learning Platform (LLLP) is an umbrella that gathers European organisations active in the field of education, training and youth. These networks represent more than 50.000 educational institutions and associations covering all sectors of formal, non-formal and informal learning.

Learn more

Global Education Network Europe (GENE)

GENE brings together Ministries and Agencies with national responsibility for funding, coordination, policy-making and support in the field of Global Education.

Learn more

kkkk

North-South Centre Global Education Network

The North-South Centre’s Global Education Network supports the implementation of the Global Education activities. The network encompasses key national and international level stakeholders, who want to share Global Education strategies and practices.

Learn more

INGO Conference of the Council of Europe

EFIL has participatory status to the Internation Non-Governmental Organisations (INGO) Conference of the Council of Europe.

Learn more

EU Youth Dialogue

The EU Youth Dialogue is a dialogue mechanism between young people and decision makers taking place in the framework of the EU Youth Strategy.

Learn more

EESC Liaison Group

EESC is the European Economic and Social Committee, a consultative body of the European Union, representing a wide range of national civil society organisations.

Learn more

Civil Society Alliance for Global Citizenship Education

The Civil Society Alliance for Global Citizenship Education brings together ca. 25 civil society organisations across Europe dedicated to advancing Global Citizenship Education from the perspectives of education policy, international cooperation, and sustainable development.

Learn more

Steering Committee on Youth of the Council of Europe

The European Steering Committee for Youth (CDEJ) brings together representatives of ministries or bodies responsible for youth matters from the 50 States Parties to the European Cultural Convention.

Learn more

Advisory Council on Youth of the Council of Europe

The Advisory Council on Youth (CCJ) is the non-governmental partner in the co-management structure which establishes the standards and work priorities of the Council of Europe’s youth sector and makes recommendations for future priorities, programmes and budgets.

Learn more

Steering Committee on Education of the Council of Europe

The Steering Committee for Education (CDEDU) oversees the Council of Europe’s programmes in the field of education and advises the Committee of Ministers on education issues.

Learn more

Next EFIL's representative to the Advisory Council on Youth

The Advisory Council on Youth is a key player in bringing much needed youth perspectives to decision makers.

Explore Josef Burker's campaign

EFIL engages in advocacy at European and regional levels to expand access to inclusive and high quality intercultural mobility.

Our advocacy pillars

We contribute to public dialogue by utilising research and the engagement of our Member Organisations.

We foster public dialogue on policies and funding for inclusive learning mobility and active global citizenship, including through co-operation between formal and non formal education.

Member Organisations intensify their participation in public dialogue at national level, with EFIL support.

Advocacy Community of Practice

Advocacy platforms

European Youth Forum

Lifelong Learning Platform

Global Education Network Europe (GENE)

North-South Centre Global Education Network

INGO Conference of the Council of Europe

EU Youth Dialogue

EESC Liaison Group

Civil Society Alliance for Global Citizenship Education

Steering Committee on Youth of the Council of Europe

Advisory Council on Youth of the Council of Europe

Steering Committee on Education of the Council of Europe

Next EFIL's representative to the Advisory Council on Youth