On 18 December 2024, from 10 am to 4 pm CET, EPALE will be hosting an online discussion titled "Education and Policy Synergies: Addressing Poverty in Modern Societies". 

We will kick off at 10 am CET, with a live-streamed exchange between experts and will continue the conversation with EPALE users in a written discussion in the comments section until 4 pm CET. 

This event will feature Elisabeth De Vleesschauwer from GO! Brussels and Mathis Porchez, Economic and Policy Analyst at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion (DG EMPL); it will be moderated by the European Association for the Education of Adults (EAEA).

Watch the streaming here!

The speakers

Elisabeth De Vleesschauwer is a policy officer at GO! Education of the Flemish Community, specialising in poverty alleviation, inclusive education, and equal opportunities. She advocates for accessible and equitable education, contributing significantly to the GO! memorandum 2024. 

Mathis Porchez is an Economic and Policy Analyst at the European Commission’s DG EMPL, focusing on social policies and employment strategies. He works on EU-wide initiatives to reduce poverty, promote inclusion, and address inequalities in labour markets. 

What we will discuss about

The conversation, where we invite you to share your opinions and experiences, will revolve around the following discussion topics:

• Defining Poverty Alleviation: Understanding its meaning and the challenges communities face.
• Scaling Successful Initiatives: Strategies to expand local efforts like those from GO! Brussels to a broader audience.
• EU-Wide Strategies: The European Commission’s role in shaping poverty alleviation policies across Member States and tailoring measures for specific challenges.
• Community-Led Efforts: How grassroots initiatives complement governmental and NGO strategies.
• Labour Market Reforms: Policies ensuring social inclusion for marginalized groups, including women, migrants, and rural populations.

Comments are already open, so you can start sharing your thoughts, experiences and suggestions!