The Youth4Values project officially launched the Youth4Values Online Talks, a series of five international online events taking place between 13 and 22 July 2026. Bringing together young people, youth workers, civil society organisations, public authorities, and other stakeholders from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Greece, and Spain (Canary Islands), the initiative creates an open space for dialogue, exchange of experiences, and the presentation of youth-led proposals aimed at strengthening democracy, active citizenship, and youth participation across Europe.
The online talks serve as a platform for presenting the key achievements of the Youth4Values project, with a particular focus on the National Action Plans developed by young participants from the four partner countries. These action plans reflect the perspectives, experiences, and recommendations of young people who have actively worked to identify challenges affecting youth participation and to propose practical solutions for strengthening democratic engagement at local, national, and European levels.
The programme is structured into five thematic sessions. The opening session introduces the Youth4Values project and presents its main results, while the following sessions are dedicated to showcasing youth participation proposals from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Greece, and Spain. The final event also provides participants with an opportunity to network, exchange ideas, and explore possibilities for future international cooperation.
Throughout the series, participants have the opportunity to discuss barriers to youth participation, share examples of good practice, and reflect on the importance of involving young people in democratic decision-making processes. The interactive online format encourages meaningful dialogue between representatives of youth organisations, institutions, and civil society, while promoting mutual learning and cross-border cooperation.
A central objective of the Youth4Values Online Talks is to increase the visibility of youth-led initiatives and demonstrate the valuable contribution young people make to building more inclusive, democratic, and participatory societies. By disseminating policy recommendations developed through the National Action Plans, the events seek to inspire further action and encourage stronger cooperation between young people, public authorities, and community stakeholders.
In addition to presenting project results, the online talks provide participants with an opportunity to expand their international networks, exchange innovative ideas, and gain new perspectives on active citizenship and European values. The discussions highlight the importance of empowering young people to take an active role in shaping policies and initiatives that directly affect their communities and future.
The Youth4Values Online Talks reaffirm the project’s commitment to strengthening youth participation by creating opportunities for dialogue, cooperation, and shared learning across Europe. Through the exchange of experiences and the presentation of youth-driven solutions, the initiative contributes to promoting democratic values and fostering a new generation of engaged, informed, and active citizens.
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.