As part of the European project Rural Youth Future – Enhancing the Role of Youth Policies for Sustainable Rural Development, a study visit was held in the Portuguese region of Porto and the Douro Valley on April 23 and 24. The event was organized by the Northern Regional Directorate of the Portuguese Institute for Youth and Sports (IPDJ), with participation from partners from seven European countries and numerous local stakeholders.

The official opening was held in the Porto Metropolitan Area, where participants were introduced to innovative approaches to youth policy and rural tourism development as a strategy for youth employment. One of the central events was the conference “Youth and the Future of Rural Territories” at the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, where best practice examples and projects such as Rural Move and Living Agriculture Labs were presented.

During the visit, key challenges and opportunities for strengthening youth entrepreneurship, employment, and social policies in rural areas were discussed. Delegations also visited several organizations known for innovative initiatives to improve the quality of life for young people in inland Portugal, including the Youth House in Amarante and the Women’s Interpretive Center of the Douro region in Armamar.

The Rural Youth Future project, funded through the INTERREG Europe program, aims to empower young people in rural areas through international cooperation, knowledge exchange, and policy development that promotes balanced growth and greater opportunities for youth across Europe.

Project website: https://www.interregeurope.eu/ruralyouthfuture