An activism bootcamp "How to run a cool media outlet in a not-so-rosy-environment" and a fishbowl debate "Young Activists Rocking the European Neighbourhood" will be part of the event's Staying Alive in Turbulent Times theme.

The Festival combines debates, workshops, talks, exhibitions and performances to celebrate what it means to be a young European, bringing youth together with world leaders, internationally renowned experts, politicians and Youth Organisations to talk about the issues and look for real solutions. Yo!Fest will stimulate vivid debates around five core themes: Keeping up with the Digital Revolution, Staying Alive in Turbulent Times, Working out for a Stronger Europe, Protecting our Planet and Calling for a Fair Share. During the Festival, young people's ideas will be collected and later presented to decision-makers.

Yo!Fest 2018 will take place on 1-2 June 2018, outside the iconic Louise Weiss building of the European Parliament in Strasbourg. If you’re between 16 and 30 and want to get involved you can find out more on the EYE website.

Friday, 1 June 2018, 11:30-13:00

How to run a cool media outlet in a not-so-rosy-environment | Activism bootcamp co-organised by EED

In this activism bootcamp, founders of young independent media platforms from the European Neighbourhood will talk about the tricks and tips of trade, tackling the challenges of operating a media outlet in a tough reality.

Speaker:
Isam Uraiqat | Co-founder & Editor @ Al Hudood (Jordan)

Read an interview with Al Hudood Co-founder Isam Uraiqat here.

Saturday, 2 June 2018, 13:30 – 14:30

Young Activists Rocking the European Neighbourhood Fishbowl debate co-organised by EED

Young people these days, they don’t care about anything, let alone politics. Haven’t we heard this statement repeated like mantra a thousand times? Now imagine young people living beyond the EU borders who do care. In the context of war, post-conflict setting or oppressive political regime ruling their country, they still want to push for a change. In their case, the struggle for democracy and human rights often stands for taking great personal risks. Their strength, creativity and adaptability are vital for the constriction of more progressive, democratic future of the European Neighbourhood. Plunge into our fishbowl debate and meet young activists who rock the democratic foundations in the Middle East, North Africa and Eastern Partnership regions.

Speakers:
Michael Abrahamyan | OPERA TV (Armenia)
Svitlana Kolodii | Go East (Ukraine)
Hamza Jouaarane | Tilila (Morocco)
Jamal Saleh | Megaphone (Lebanon)