The EU Code Week 2024 is in full swing! From 14-27 October, this volunteer-driven initiative, supported by the European Commission, brings digital skills to life. For two weeks, schools, libraries, and code clubs across Europe and beyond will host thousands of activities to inspire creativity through coding.
Discover more about EU Code Week and how to get involved.
The EU Code Week 2024 Launch Event: Inspiring Innovation and Digital Skills, streamed live from Brussels on Friday, 11 October. the event was an exciting and dynamic gathering focused on the future of digital skills across Europe. Moderated by Diana Filip, Deputy CEO of JA Europe, the event set the stage for EU Code Week, which will run from 14 to 27 October. This year’s theme centres on fostering creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration through coding and technology, aimed at inspiring young Europeans.
What happened at the launch event
Salvatore Nigro, CEO of JA Europe, opened the event with a powerful message about the importance of digital learning, noting that EU Code Week remains more relevant than ever in 2024. Yvo Volman, Director of the Data Directorate at the European Commission, highlighted EU Code Week’s ongoing contributions to building a digitally literate Europe, emphasizing the need to maintain momentum in promoting digital education.
A digital world for all ages
One of the standout sessions was led by Microsoft Ireland’s Dream Space team, who demonstrated how Minecraft Education can be used to make coding accessible and fun for young learners. This blend of gaming and education underscored the event’s message that digital learning can be engaging and enjoyable. During the session ”What digital means” children shared their thoughts on what “digital” means to them, serving as a reminder that the digital world is not just for adults but is being shaped by curious and creative young minds.
Minecraft Education Journey is officially online and active on the Code Week website on Codeweekcoders.
Digital careers and gender equality
The panel discussion on digital careers featuring industry leaders like Anna Di Silverio from Avanade, Laurent Touché, Code Week ambassador and coordinator of France and Stéphane du Boispéan from Intel explored the future of digital careers, emphasizing the growing need for gender diversity in tech. Avanti Sharma, Head of Business Development at Workshop4Me, and Angela Jafarova, a Code Week ambassador and teacher from Latvia added valuable insights on how to inspire young people, especially girls, to pursue opportunities in technology, advocating for more inclusive learning environments that support gender balance in the digital space.
What’s next for EU Code Week
The event also previewed the upcoming EU Code Week Hackathon, where young coders across Europe will tackle real-world challenges through innovation and technology. The event concluded with closing remarks from Victor Negrescu, Vice President of the European Parliament, reaffirming the EU’s support for EU Code Week and its ongoing role in shaping Europe’s digital future.
The launch event successfully set the tone for EU Code Week 2024, with a clear message: digital skills are essential for everyone, and EU Code Week remains a powerful driver of innovation, collaboration, and empowerment across Europe.
Did you miss the EU Code Week launch event? Don’t worry the recording is available on the EU Code Week YouTube channel
© EU Code Week
Source: European Digital Skills & Jobs Platform
