Smart City
Voices of Youth in European Smart City – young people looked at the city through their own eyes
ABOUT THE PROJECT
The Voices of Youth in European Smart Cities project, implemented by the My Future Foundation in collaboration with a Greek partner, demonstrated that young people want and can participate effectively in decision-making regarding urban development. The project focused on strengthening the youth’s civic competencies and creating a safe and accessible space for dialogue between young people and decision-makers at the local level.
As part of the project, young people from Poland and Greece participated in a research process and a series of workshops on topics such as what a smart city is, how new technologies impact the quality of life of residents, and how citizens – including young people – can influence decisions made in cities. The work was based on non-formal education methods: participants worked in teams, analyzed real-world challenges in their cities, and developed critical thinking, communication, and the ability to express their own opinions.
A key element of the project was youth mobility in Poland and Greece, during which participants worked in international teams and compared challenges and good practices from different local contexts. For many young people, this was their first contact with the topics of civic participation, dialogue with authorities, or conscious influence on urban policies – this experience significantly strengthened their sense of agency and self-confidence.
The activities culminated in Youth Participation Events in Radom and Athens, which brought together over 200 young participants, along with representatives of local governments and institutions. During these meetings, young people presented their ideas and recommendations for smart city development and engaged in direct dialogue with decision-makers. This provided a space for open discussion, where young people’s voices were taken seriously.
One of the project’s lasting results was an increased awareness of local democracy, urban technologies, and real opportunities to influence their surroundings. The project demonstrated that youth participation is not an “add-on” but a key element of a modern, responsible city.
Subscribe to the My Future newsletter:
Financed by EU funds. The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author or authors and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the EACEA are responsible for them.
Project duration: October 1, 2023 – December 31, 2024
Project number: 2023-1-PL01-KA154-YOU-000121700
OUR PARTNERS
