Hosted by Martina Dlabajova, MEP

European Parliament, room PHS5B001, Brussels

12.30pm-14.30pm, preceded by sandwich lunch

Over the past few decades globalisation, digitalisation and automation have changed the way we work and live. A recent study from Eurofound has also identified that EU citizens are increasingly concerned that young people have fewer opportunities for upward social mobility than their parents.

Social mobility is a lifelong journey:  raising skill levels and preparing people for the jobs of tomorrow is only the first way to address inequality in earnings as an economy focused on ‘delivering for everyone’ is good for individual and societal growth and competitiveness. There are also societal and cultural obstacles linked to the perception of accessing certain professions: the belief that ’this is not for me’, a dangerous stigma. It is likely that only those with prior knowledge, or social capital, will appreciate the diversity of the professions and flexibility of access.

It is vital to open up access to new opportunities that help build healthy and prosperous economies where people of all backgrounds are able to flourish. But for that, people need to be equipped with the right skills with collaboration between policy makers, stakeholders and business is critical in order for improvements in social mobility.

The EU is addressing the issue from different fronts - the Skills Agenda and the launch of the European Commission European Pillar of Social Rights address both the importance of access to training and addressing inequality.

A recent ACCA report includes recommendations of the importance of improving awareness of ‘stigmatized” professions, such as accountancy, as a career choice at younger levels, and to remove barriers by introducing flexible learning routes and seeking to remove bias from the recruitment process.

To shift mentalities we need everyone to be on board and with this in mind the ACCA, PwC, European Movement International and the European Youth Forum are delighted to invite you to a lively debate hosted by Martina Dlabajova, MEP, on how improving training and education can be critical factors for social mobility.

Register HERE by 28 May 2018

Please note that due to strict security measures at the European Parliament, late registrations will not be accepted 

If you do not have a permanent pass for the European Parliament, please indicate your 

-Full name and first name 
-Date of birth 
-Nationality 
-Passport or ID number 
-expiry date of ID/passport 
-Place of birth 
-Residence ( full home address) 

Draft agenda

11.45am Registrations and light lunch

12.30pm Welcome speech, MEP Dlabajova

12.45pm Panel moderated by Maggie McGhee, Director Professional Insights, ACCA

• Kasia Jurczak, Member in charge of Skills and vocational training in Commissioner  Thyssen Cabinet
• Anna Ludwinek, Social policy Unit, Eurofound
• Anna Widegren, Secretary General, European Youth Forum
• Stephen Hogan, Head of Social Mobility, PwC
• Bart Vandewaetere,  Head of Corporate Communications and Government Relations, Nestlé Zone Europe, Middle East & North Africa

14.00pm Q&As

14.20pm Concluding remarks Brando Benifei, Vice-President, European Movement International and Chair of the EP’s Youth Intergroup  

14.30pm End