"We want young people to have a strong voice in shaping Europe and its policies," Education Minister Barbara Nowacka said on Monday.
Speaking at a meeting of EU ministers responsible for education and youth in Brussels, Nowacka acknowledged that education is an area where each member state pursues its own policies.
However, she emphasized the value of EU ministerial meetings in highlighting common challenges and potential solutions in this field.
"One of our priorities during Poland's presidency will be actions aimed at including youth at the educational level," Nowacka said.
According to her ministry, "inclusive education" refers to "an approach to teaching and upbringing aimed at increasing educational opportunities for all children and youth by providing conditions for developing individual potential and fully integrating them into social life."
Nowacka added that education is one of the most socially significant topics, and the Polish presidency will focus on involving children and youth at primary and secondary school levels, as well as preparing young people for the labor market.
"Inclusive education also means preparation for the job market; hence, the new commissioner responsible for education will have an expanded portfolio that includes labor," she said.
Nowacka stressed the importance of giving the younger generation "a strong voice" in how Europe and its policies are shaped, Polish state news agency PAP reported.
"Right now, Europe is being shaped for young people, but without their input, which leads to very low engagement among the young generation. We want to change that," Nowacka declared.
(jh/gs)
Source: PAP