Written by Emelie Nyman, Vice-President, CUF Sweden
The fight against populism and disinformation - how can the youth be impactful?
This crucial question, posed by LYMEC Bureau member Sorcha Ní Chonghaile, resonated throughout the Young Leadership Meeting (YLM) held in Ljubljana, Slovenia, this September.
The meeting, hosted by the European Liberal Forum in cooperation with LYMEC and NOVUM, brought together young liberal leaders from across Europe to discuss the results of the EU elections, share best practices, and strategize for the future, with a particular focus on combating the rising tide of disinformation.
Day 1 - Analysing the Elections and Building for the Future
The event kicked off with inspiring welcome addresses from prominent figures such as Klemen Boštjančič, Minister of Finance of Slovenia, Goran Neralic, ELF Head of Projects, Ines Holzegger, LYMEC President and Felicita Medved, NOVUM President. An engaging icebreaker session, moderated by Willemijn Krans, LYMEC Bureau member, quickly fostered a sense of camaraderie among participants, creating a good ground for the exchange of ideas and experiences.
One of the highlights of the first day was the analysis of the EU election results, with an interesting focus on Slovenia. The discussion provided valuable insights into current trends and challenges, including the growing threat of disinformation, setting the stage for a deeper dive into strategies for organisational growth and broadening outreach. Marten Porte, LYMEC Treasurer, concluded the day by introducing the key themes for the following day's sessions.
In the evening, the participants were joined by Irena Joveva, Renew Europe Vice-President and MEP. She delivered a powerful speech addressing the pervasive threat of disinformation and engaged in a Q&A session with the attendees, providing valuable insights and perspectives on this critical issue.
It's clear that we have an important role in influencing and supporting our MEPs and overall society on core values like privacy and freedom of speech. We must also be willing to analyse complex issues from all angles to arrive at constructive liberal solutions on the growing problem with disinformation.
Day 2 - Combating Disinformation and Empowering Youth Action
The second day delved into critical issues facing liberal movements today, with a particular emphasis on the fight against disinformation, but also overall how we can become stronger. Sean Bennett, LYMEC Bureau member, led a dynamic session on best practice sharing for organisational growth, emphasising the importance of grassroots mobilisation and effective communication strategies to counter disinformation at the local level. Consistent local presence and targeted communication was highlighted as a key factor in the success of our Slovenian counterparts.
The afternoon sessions focused squarely on the challenge of disinformation. Domen Savič, a digital activist, researcher, and journalist, provided a compelling overview of the context and roots of disinformation, exploring its impact on political discourse and democratic processes. This was followed by an interactive discussion moderated by Sorcha Ní Chonghaile, LYMEC Policy Officer, on how young people can effectively combat disinformation and promote a more truthful and inclusive public discourse. The session explored practical strategies for identifying and debunking false information, drawing on the expertise of the participants and emphasising the importance of youth engagement in this critical fight.
The meeting concluded with a renewed sense of purpose and a clear roadmap for the future. Ines Holzegger's closing remarks emphasised the importance of unity and collaboration within the liberal movement to effectively combat disinformation and promote liberal values. The final dinner at GÜJŽINA provided a perfect opportunity for participants to solidify the connections forged throughout the weekend and to continue the conversations sparked by the diverse program.
This YLM was not just a meeting; it was a call to action. As young liberals, we have a responsibility to bridge the gap between local communities and European institutions, to combat disinformation with truth and empathy, and to build a future where liberal values thrive. The energy and passion displayed in Ljubljana will undoubtedly propel our movement forward, empowering us to create a more just and inclusive society for all.
Young Liberals Unite Against Disinformation in Ljubljana