The fourth international meeting placed intercultural dialogue at the centre of the National Action Plan process. Participants examined how culture, language, history, social expectations and political experience influence the ways young people understand democracy, citizenship and public participation.
Young people shared examples from their communities showing that the same concept can have different meanings in different settings. In some contexts, participation is strongly connected with voting and political parties. In others, young people are more comfortable with volunteering, informal initiatives, protests, online campaigns or community-based action.
The discussion helped the group recognise that no single form of participation can represent the full diversity of youth voices.
The meeting also addressed barriers faced by young people from rural areas, minority communities, economically disadvantaged backgrounds and other groups with fewer opportunities. Participants discussed how inaccessible language, lack of transport, digital exclusion, stereotypes and distrust can prevent these young people from joining civic processes. They agreed that inclusion must be designed from the beginning, rather than added after activities and policies have already been developed.
Through facilitated dialogue, participants practised active listening, respectful disagreement and the ability to separate personal assumptions from evidence. They explored how democratic debate can remain constructive even when opinions differ. These skills were directly relevant to the Action Plans, since policy recommendations need to reflect diverse needs while still presenting a coherent direction for change.
The meeting strengthened mutual understanding within the international network and helped participants improve the inclusive character of their proposals. It confirmed that intercultural cooperation is not only an added value of the project, but also a practical tool for designing fairer and more representative youth policies.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
The Youth4Values – Youth for Democracy and Values project was created to support young people in becoming more active, informed, and engaged citizens in their local communities. The project focused on strengthening democratic values, active citizenship, youth participation, human rights, inclusion, and the connection between young people and decision-making processes.
In many European communities, young people still do not have enough space to express their opinions, participate in public life, or influence decisions that affect their everyday lives. This is especially visible among young people with fewer opportunities, who often face additional barriers such as limited access to information, lack of support, social exclusion, economic difficulties, or low trust in institutions.
Youth4Values responded to these needs by creating practical opportunities for young people to learn, discuss, act, and connect. The project did not focus only on theory. It encouraged young people to understand democracy through real experiences, local engagement, peer learning, dialogue, workshops, campaigns, and direct participation in community activities.
The project was implemented by partners from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Greece, Montenegro, and Spain, bringing together different realities, experiences, and approaches to youth participation. This international cooperation helped partners exchange good practices, compare challenges in their countries, and develop local activities that were adapted to the real needs of young people in each community.
A strong part of the project was its focus on non-formal education. Through interactive activities, participants had the opportunity to develop critical thinking, communication, teamwork, civic awareness, and a better understanding of their rights and responsibilities as citizens. The project also promoted the importance of youth organisations as spaces where young people can practice democracy, build confidence, and take active roles in society.
According to the project application, Youth4Values aimed to enhance democratic governance and the rule of law by promoting civic education, active citizenship, and youth empowerment. It also focused on connecting democracy with human rights, inclusion, and meaningful participation in decision-making processes.