The EVP responds to the voices in the video in her speech, positioning the Commission’s work as an answer to citizens’ struggles and/or aspirations. The speech will showcase what she has done and what lies ahead. 

It will be followed by Q&A 

Enrico Letta (Italy), President of the Jacques Delors Institute and former Prime Minister of Italy (2013-2014). Dean of the IE School of Politics, Economics & Global Affairs in Madrid since October 2024. Author of the High-Level Report on the future of the Single Market. (confirmed)
 

Nicolas Hazard (France) French social entrepreneur and author known for his work in promoting the social and solidarity economy. Founder and chairman of INCO.

Alternative: Antoine Foucher (France) consultant, former Head of Cabinet of Muriel Pénicaud and author of « Sortir du travail qui ne paie plus » identifying the gilets jaunes as a forebode to a longer and more fundamental social conflict, he recommends a massive relief in social contributions for the next 5 years, resulting in substantial wage increases, financed by alternative taxation (capital, pensions, successions, VAT, etc.
Auditorium

Yolanda Díaz (Spain) Minister of Labour and Social Economy. She is known for leading Spain’s labour reform, raising the minimum wage, strengthening worker protections, reducing working time and unpaid overtime, while upholding strong economic growth. Strong supporter of the idea that ‘we don't live to work, we work to live, work is a means.’ 
She would set the tone for the discussion on quality jobs as ambitious and human-centric while preserving the potential for growth. 

The moderator will invite panellists to react to the testimonials and then continue the discussion:

• Li Andersson (Finland), MEP and Chair of the EMPL Committee (confirmed)
• Esther Lynch (Ireland), General Secretary of ETUC, representing 45 million workers across Europe. (confirmed)
• Juvencio Maeztu (Spain), incoming CEO of IKEA (confirmed)

his session will host an conversation on the challenges and opportunities faced by both employers and employees.

• Markus J. Beyrer (Austria) Director-General at Business Europe
• Chair of the European Public Employment Services (PES) Network
• Aleksandra Gajewska (Poland), Secretary of state of the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy. As of 2024, Poland has established a dedicated governmental unit to integrate refugees into the labour market, tackling both administrative and practical barriers to employment. (confirmed)

 
(Optional)An additional profile can be considered, representing the social economy. E.g. Joséphine Goube (France), founder & CEO of Sistech, a European non-profit that empowers displaced women with qualified tech and digital jobs of their choosing. 

The morning session brought together young people experiencing poverty in Europe. This session will present the main outcomes of the discussion to bring the voice of the youth into the Forum’s debate.

Panel discussion with:

• Yiannis Panayiotou (Cyprus), Minister of Labour and Social Insurance, Cyprus. To bring in the perspective of a country which is on track in reducing poverty rate and improving housing affordability. 
• Maria Nyman (Sweden), Secretary General of Caritas Europa, network of organisations which focuses on alleviating poverty, promoting social justice, and supporting vulnerable people. She can combine lived realities of people in poverty and strategies that work at systemic and EU levels. (confirmed)
• Olivier De Schutter (Belgium), UN Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights (confirmed) 

Followed by Q&A 

Fireside chat with Sidsel Marie Kristensen (Denmark), CEO of the LEGO Foundation (confirmed)
Bringing a perspective on how investing in children and families from the earliest stages of life can break cycles of disadvantage.

by Mario Nava, Director-General DG Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion

The first-ever EU Anti-Poverty Strategy – key elements and the way forward

F2: The power of quality jobs – Europe’s path to sustainable and inclusive growth

G2 ALMA:  Empowering NEETs Through ALMA (Aim, Learn, Master, Achieve): Transforming results into stronger support for youth   

By Deputy Director-General Stefan Olsson