“Youth can spearhead solutions to many of today’s global challenges and their contributions must be weaved into policy processes” said Sophia Massrouri from the Brussels Office of the Baha’i International Community (BIC) in light of the closing conference of the European Year of Youth, themed “Claim the Future”. The conference took place at the European Parliament after a year dedicated to the young generation and filled with events and policies focusing on their particular role. The conference brought together young people from all over Europe, academics, civil society and policy makers to reflect on the achievements made in the past year and how young people can continue to play an integral role in all areas of society and policy making. The BIC has in particular looked at the role of youth in fostering social cohesion at the grassroots and will host an event on that theme on the 8th December.