As an effort to contribute to the Global Online Stakeholder Consultation ran in the frame of the ECOSOC partnership forum, we're expressing our position on advancing the SDG agenda, especially SDG8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, which we are dedicated to supporting, particularly in underserved areas of Romania.
In Romania, many young people in rural regions face persistent challenges: limited digital resources, few career pathways, and inadequate access to quality education and extracurricular activities. Rural regions, home to over 45% of Romania's population, experience a digital skills gap that directly impacts job prospects. Romania ranks among the EU’s lowest for digital skills, with only 29% of individuals aged 16-74 possessing basic digital competencies, which exacerbates youth unemployment and the socio-economic divide across generations (European Commission, 2023). In our work, we encounter the effects of these barriers, especially in underserved areas, where gaps in infrastructure and resources significantly limit opportunities for young people to fully participate in society and economy.
Our work through the SENSE. project exemplifies how partnerships can powerfully drive SDG 8, especially for marginalized and young women facing barriers in STEM fields. SENSE unites NGOs, educational institutions, and cultural organizations to establish "STEAM Labs" across Europe. These labs empower young people with science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) skills, making these fields more inclusive and accessible to women and underrepresented communities.
The success of SENSE is driven by three primary factors:
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: SENSE fosters an integrative approach by bringing together education, arts, civil society, and business sectors, blending scientific inquiry with artistic practices. This helps dismantle traditional STEM boundaries and makes these fields more engaging, especially for young women and marginalized youth who are often discouraged from pursuing STEM due to stereotypes.
- Community-Centric Learning Hubs: By establishing STEAM Labs as local innovation centers, the partnership bridges formal and informal learning spaces. This community-centered approach involves students, educators, and local organizations. These hands-on labs resonate within communities and empower young people to address real-world challenges.
- Inclusive, Needs-Based Design: SENSE’s educational framework is rooted in gender-sensitive strategies and an intersectional approach that respects the diverse backgrounds of participants. It ensures equitable access to resources, fostering confidence, workforce readiness, and critical thinking skills needed for future careers.
Through initiatives like NEBULA, which promotes rural and urban regeneration, SENSE., which highlights STEAM as a career path, RAISE, which supports youth-led workshops, and many others, we strive to bring together diverse stakeholders to empower youth. By aligning local programs with broader European strategies, we amplify our impact, creating sustainable, inclusive growth opportunities across communities.
In working toward a future where young people from all backgrounds are equipped to succeed, we urge governments to prioritize policies that support infrastructure for digital and educational access across all regions. NGOs and private partners can help lead localized programs focused on digital skills, entrepreneurship, and STEAM. Our experience with SENSE. shows that when these elements combine—community involvement, inclusive design, and interdisciplinary collaboration—partnerships can transform educational practices to make economic empowerment a reality.
We encourage all stakeholders to join us in strengthening these inclusive models and building a sustainable future where everyone has the chance to thrive. Together, we can fully embrace the global commitment to “leave no one behind.”
GEYC's Entrepreneurship & Employability Department