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Shaping the future of preparedness: The role of young voices

On 26 February 2025, 23 young leaders from across Europe gathered in Brussels for a Youth Policy Dialogue on Preparedness. This event, organised by Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO) and Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA), gave young people a chance to share their views on citizens’ risk awareness and preparedness with Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib.  

The EU Youth Policy Dialogue on Preparedness marks an important step in ensuring that young people are active contributors to disaster risk reduction. Participants came from different backgrounds, bringing their knowledge and experiences in areas like healthcare, gender equality, and community resilience.  

Moving forward, continuous engagement through similar dialogues and youth-led initiatives will be crucial in strengthening Europe's crisis management strategies. As Commissioner Lahbib stated, preparedness starts with youth—and through collaboration, innovation, and inclusive policies, young voices will continue to shape a more resilient Europe. 

Three young leaders who took part in the dialogue with the Commissioner —Erato Markantoni, Cecilia Manrique, and Furkan Yıldız—speak about their experiences, key lessons, and hopes for the future. They each bring a unique perspective to the discussion, but they share a common belief: disaster preparedness must be inclusive, forward-thinking, and actively involve young people. They stress the importance of education, clear communication, and cross-sector collaboration to improve crisis response. They also call for better policies to support marginalised communities and ensure equal access to resources. Whether in healthcare, gender equality, or international cooperation, their insights show that young people are not just future leaders but essential to building a more resilient society today. 

Discover their perspectives and the role of young people in shaping disaster preparedness in the interviews below. 

Markantoni

Erato Markantoni: Why inclusive healthcare matters in emergencies

For Erato Markantoni, a medical student from Cyprus and patient advocate, the youth dialogue was a chance to highlight the importance of inclusive preparedness strategies. She believes that preparedness should not just be about policies but about making sure everyone, especially those with chronic illnesses, are considered when decisions are made.
Furkan Yıldız.

Furkan Yıldız: Why young people must be part of crisis preparedness

Furkan Yıldız, an international relations graduate and active volunteer from Türkiye was drawn to the Youth Policy Dialogue event by the prospect of direct interaction with policymakers. He highlighted the role of young people in adapting to evolving global challenges, stressing the importance of providing them with resources and opportunities to contribute to crisis preparedness.
Cecilia Manrique

Cecilia Manrique: Why disaster preparedness must be inclusive

Cecilia Manrique, a feminist security advocate from Spain and consultant for UN Women LAC, believes disaster preparedness must go beyond Europe’s borders and ensure that those most at risk are not overlooked. She emphasised the need for better education on disaster response and policies that address the needs of marginalised communities, including persons with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and low-income groups.