Within the framework of the international initiative Cities of Learning Network, we concluded the project “Youth co-design learning, civic and career pathways” in 2023. The project placed a strong emphasis on the active role of young people in shaping the future of learning, social participation, and their own career paths. It brought together young people, youth workers, organizations, and decision-makers from multiple countries with a clear goal – to give young people space, voice, and influence in co-creating change.
At the heart of the project was a process that enabled young people to develop concrete proposals for the future based on their own experiences, needs, and visions. Through various activities, more than 1,000 young people participated in consultations, workshops, virtual exchanges, and discussions on learning, participation, and career development.
How did young people participate?
The project was structured in several phases that allowed young people to gradually engage and strengthen their role:
- Youth consultations
Exploring young people’s perspectives on learning, their role in society, and career opportunities, as well as their role in shaping the future. - Leadership development
International programs where young people developed competencies for active citizenship, collaboration, and leadership. - Digital learning pathways – online courses
Young people co-created digital learning content and pathways (so-called playlists) that support personal, social, and career development. - Development of policy recommendations
Together with decision-makers, young people created 20 key recommendations for the future in areas such as non-formal learning, inclusion, sustainability, participation, and mental health.
Key highlights of the project
The project demonstrated that when given the opportunity and support, young people can actively co-create solutions to societal challenges. Among the most important outcomes were:
- more than 600 young people involved in consultation processes,
- more than 100 young people and experts who jointly developed future recommendations,
- more than 80 digital learning pathways accessible to the wider public,
- numerous dialogue activities between young people and decision-makers at local and European levels.
The project significantly contributed to a better understanding of young people’s needs and strengthened their role in shaping policies and practices in the youth sector.
Project highlights
- Video of the youth seminar
- Video of the youth forum – where we were also addressed via a video message by Biliana Sirakova, EU Youth Coordinator.
Materials for young people
One of the most recognizable outputs is the freely accessible online course “Global Youth Skills”, which addresses the challenges of a rapidly changing world where the need for new knowledge and skills is constantly increasing. What are these skills? How can they be developed, and where do young people see their potential?
In the course, young people can independently explore five key areas of competencies, as identified by the Institute for the Future:
- building identity and reputation in a connected world,
- understanding and using digital technologies,
- resilience and perseverance in challenging circumstances,
- understanding a complex world,
- collaboration and community building.
