On 29 June, the Porto Metropolitan Area (AMP) hosted the 6th meeting of the Local Support Group of the European project RuralYouthFuture – “Improving the role of youth policies for rural sustainable development”, an initiative funded by the Interreg Europe programme that aims to strengthen the effectiveness of youth employment policies for sustainable rural development.

The meeting brought together partner entities and representatives of organizations in the field of youth, to share, reflect on and create proposals for the future of rural territories. The opening session was attended by the Metropolitan Executive Officer Ana Amorim and Vítor Dias, from the Portuguese Institute for Sport and Youth (IPDJ).

During the meeting, the project consultant presented the ongoing work, highlighting the mapping of six best practices in Portugal. Among them is the Youth Monitor project, developed by the AMP, a recognition that highlights the relevance of this initiative in the national context and the Portuguese contribution to the identification of European references in youth policies.

Participants also discussed contributions and priorities of the National Youth Agenda, as well as recommendations to improve the efficiency of rural youth support ecosystems. Among the topics addressed, the importance of using data and indicators in the definition of public policies was highlighted, with the Youth Monitor emerging as an example of an approach based on evidence, participation and support for decision-making.

The RuralYouthFuture project has been promoting the creation of a collaborative network that integrates tools, knowledge, funding opportunities and participatory mechanisms, helping to include the needs and potential of rural youth in the public policy agenda. In this context, the Local Support Group assumes itself as an important forum for learning, cooperation and territorial impact, driving more effective solutions for young people living and developing their life projects in rural territories.