Inclusive futures: uniting communities for lasting change

The “2024 Voices – Citizens Speak Up!” report by Debating Europe, in partnership with The Coca-Cola Company and the European Commission, delivered a clear message from citizens across Europe: social inclusion is key to tackling today’s most pressing challenges, from the green and digital transition to economic and social sustainability. 

Join us for an exclusive, high-impact session exploring how inclusivity can drive meaningful change across European societies. In the lead-up to the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, this event will bring together diverse voices – from policymakers and business leaders to NGOs and inspiring athletes – to discuss actionable strategies to foster inclusion in a rapidly evolving world. 

Inclusivity is fundamental to the development and sustainability of vibrant European societies. Creating an environment where people from all walks of life can participate fully is crucial. In the context of Europe’s digital and green transformation, we will explore how public and private sectors, non-profit organisations and communities can collaborate to overcome inequalities linked to disability, socio-economic status and digital access conditions.

Join us as we delve into:  

• How can inclusivity be embedded into Europe’s green and digital transition to ensure no one is left behind? 
• What innovative policies and partnerships are needed to break down barriers to inclusion across sectors? 
• How do we balance quantitative metrics with the lived experiences of individuals to measure true social impact? 
• What should the role of the private sector be in breaking down barriers and bringing people together? 

Moderated by Alessandra Cardaci, Head of Programming and Operations at Debating Europe, the panel will feature:

• Katarina Ivankovic Knezevic, Director for Social Rights and Inclusion, DG EMPL, European Commission

• Anne Kjær Bathel, Founder and CEO of ReDI School of Digital Integration and 2020-2021 European Young Leader (EYL40)

• Irene Tinagli, Member of the European Parliament and former Chair of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs, Trustee of Friends of Europe and 2014 European Young Leader (EYL40)

• Wouter Vermeulen, Senior Director for Sustainability and Public Policy at the Coca-Cola Company Europe

This event will take place in person in Turin, Italy, and will be streamed. Follow us on X, LinkedIn or Instagram, and join the #Voices4Choices conversation!

Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.