Young Forum Gastein:
Network for Junior Managers in EU Health Policy

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With the “Young Forum Gastein” project the European Commission and the European Health Forum Gastein (EHFG) has initiated the development of a network of junior managers in the area of health policy and health administration as well as of young political scientists. One scientist and an administrative or policy expert from each EU member country receive an invitation to the EHFG, one of the most important health policy events in the EU.

With 45 participants in the inaugural year 2007 and 60 participants in 2008, from the start Young Forum Gastein has proven to be a resounding success. Thus a Europe-wide network of junior managers is being developed, which will make a significant contribution to the intensification of cooperation in the health sector between the EU member states in the coming years. The importance of the project is also underscored by the meeting between Young Forum Gastein participants and EU Health Commissioner Androulla Vassiliou at the EHFG.  “This initiative, now in its second year, brings young researchers and young officials to the conference for them to gain valuable insight and exposure to the key players in the sphere of health policy in Europe. Young people are a core concern of mine and I am particularly keen to hear their views in the important issues we have been discussing here in Gastein,”  Vassiliou says.

The significance of the contacts made through Young Forum Gastein is highly appreciated by the participants as well. “My personal experience within the German presidency is that the success of many European initiatives depends very much on the personal commitment and confidence between the decision-makers involved,” Young Forum participant Björn Kümmel of the German Ministry of Health explains. Networking at an early stage is essential for this and until now has been lacking among young policymakers. The chances for young health policymakers in Europe to exchange their ideas have been quite limited because the main European health events are often attended only by senior colleagues. In this regard Young Gastein Forum offers a unique opportunity for young policymakers from all member states.”

Further information, press services and contacts to participants in Young Forum Gastein in the EU member states:

EHFG Press Office, c/o MB Dialog, Thomas Brey
Tel.: +43 1 917 51 18-25
Mobile: +43 / 676 / 542 39 09
E-Mail: ehfg(at)mbdialog.at
www.ehfg.org