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About this 12th edition

Being young is exciting but it can also be an anxious time filled with obstacles and questions. Young people are developing a sense of self while also looking for their place in society. This also includes finding a job that matches their desires but also helps them on a path of financial stability. Gen Z is entering the workplace, they grew up with technology and are known to be a vocal generation. Studies show they value empathy and mental health more than their potential employers. According to Eurostat Belgium has a youth unemployment rate of 5,7% in 2022. The job market is competitive and it can be increasingly hard to find a job without any previous experience. What policies and services can help bridge the gap from education to a meaningful, fulfilling and sustainable job? Do you work with or for young people or want to reach them better and sustainably recruit them? Then this event is the perfect inspiration for you!

The speakers

These speakers will bring their expertise to the arena and inspire our audience with their learnings and thoughts.

Baanbrekend dromen

Knight Moves for VDAB & the City of Antwerp

Youth unemployment is a challenge for many cities. VDAB and the City of Antwerp joined forces to look beyond numbers and gain a deeper understanding of young people’s emotions, dreams and challenges to better align policies with their real needs.

Adriaan De Keersmaeker

Community Lead at Talk To C

Adriaan De Keersmaeker is the community lead at Talk to C, a Belgian initiative focused on developing young professionals by connecting them with C‑levels. He has worked for various consultancies and the Belgian start- & scale-up scene.

Agenda

18:00

Welcome

Food & drinks & networking

19:30

Baanbrekend dromen

Knight Moves for VDAB & the city of Antwerp

20:00

Adriaan De Keersmaeker

Community Lead at Talk To C

20:30

Round Table Session

Debate

21:00

The Final Act

Networking

What is ARENA?

ARENA is a free one-evening conference for professionals. Twice a year we choose a topic that we find relevant in our society and where service design could play a role. We invite two speakers to share their expertise from different perspectives. Our previous editions covered topics such as digital transformation, accessibility, the future of work, human-centred organisations, education, etc.

An evening full of inspiration and action (some networking, food & drinks as a bonus). See you in the ARENA!

Questions? Contact our knights yalenka@​knightmoves.​be or anouk@​knightmoves.​be.

Special thanks to our partners