Ravello, a picturesque town nestled in Salerno, Italy, served as the beautiful background for the 12th annual meeting of the Youth Wiki National Correspondents held on November 24-25, 2023. Organized by the Italian National Correspondent in collaboration with the European Education and Culture Executive Agency, this gathering brought together 32 National Correspondents from across Europe.  

Chaired by Maurizio Merico, full professor of Sociology at the Department of Political and Social Studies at the University of Salerno and co-coordinator of Youth Wiki - Italia, and Peter Birch, Head of Sector at EACEA.A6: Platforms, studies and analysis, the event turned around the pivotal role of evidence-based approach and knowledge in shaping youth policies at both European and national levels. 

EACEA A6 offered a panoramic view of the Youth Wiki's significance in the policy-making process, highlighting its role as a keystone connecting policy, practice, and research. Discussions also focused on future activities of the network and the commitment to quality assurance. 

The Italian National Correspondent team took center stage, spotlighting Italy's experiences—from national policy-making dynamics to local implementations. Their comprehensive overview provided key insights into youth policies within the national context. Comparisons among different National Correspondent approaches shed light on the way the network functions, fostering a deeper understanding among participants. 

Contributions from within the Youth Wiki network were equally impactful. National Correspondents shared a spectrum of national initiatives, highlighting how the information contained in the Youth Wiki is effectively used and promoted. 

Furthermore, the meeting facilitated a significant exchange between the Youth Wiki Network and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The OECD presented insights on governance in youth-related domains and intergenerational justice, leading to engaging discussions among Youth Wiki National Correspondents. 

The event was not solely confined to formal sessions; it created many opportunities for enriching exchanges among participants during breaks and social moments. 

Enhancing the depth of the discussions, an International Conference titled "Youth Wiki in Europe: for knowledge-based youth policy" unfolded on November 23 at Salerno University's premises. The conference explored important themes concerning the evolution of youth policy, underlining the pressing need for stronger cooperation among research, policy-making, and practical implementation. 

The 12th annual meeting of the Youth Wiki National Correspondents and its associated conference served as a valid platform for boosting collaboration, exchanging ideas, and reinforcing the foundation for evidence-informed youth policies across Europe. 

In the picture: The Italian Youth Wiki Team with colleagues from EACEA.A6.