On this page

1. Cooperation with European countries

2. International cooperation 

Cooperation with European countries

Slovakia actively participates in youth policy coordination with other EU and EU-candidate countries through various multilateral platforms and initiatives. These include:

• Policy conferences and peer-learning activities organized under the EU Youth Strategy framework.
• Participation in youth policy networks, particularly those focused on youth participation, inclusion, and non-formal education.
• Engagement in structured dialogue processes and EU Youth Dialogue activities.
• Cooperation with the Council of Europe, especially in areas such as youth rights, democratic participation, and youth work standards.
• Membership in ERYICA (European Youth Information and Counselling Agency) through NIVAM, which supports the development of youth information services and promotes quality standards in youth counselling.

The main areas of coordination include:

• Youth participation and empowerment
• Recognition of non-formal learning
• Social inclusion and equal opportunities
• Mental health and well-being of young people
• Youth information and counselling

International cooperation

Slovakia also engages in youth policy cooperation with international organizations and third countries. Key activities include:

• Slovak UN Youth Delegate Programme, coordinated by NIVAM, which enables young Slovaks to represent youth interests at the United Nations and participate in global decision-making processes.
• Engagement with the United Nations and OECD in youth-related policy discussions, especially in the context of sustainable development, education, and youth employment.
• UNICEF’s Youth-Focused Partnership in Slovakia: In Slovakia, UNICEF is a key international partner in supporting the integration and empowerment of children and young people, particularly those displaced by war. Its efforts span both formal and non-formal education, community engagement, and psychosocial support. UNICEF collaborates with national and local partners to implement youth empowerment programmes, such as the Stand By Me initiative with the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, aimed at building life skills, peer networks, and community integration for displaced youth aged 14–24. In cooperation with NIVAM, UNICEF also contributes to strengthening youth infrastructure and prevention initiatives. The partnership addressed the integration of refugee and migrant children and youth, supports substance use prevention, and improves regional coordination of youth policy. As part of this collaboration, UNICEF has supported workshops and seminars delivered by NIVAM on topics including risk minimization, substance use prevention, and networking. These activities target youth work coordinators and school parliament coordinators, helping to reinforce local youth support systems across Slovakia.