During the European Citizenthon held on 15-16 November in Faro, Portugal, young participants, local teams, and project partners worked together to co-create the European Future Citizens Manifesto. This document outlines practical and innovative recommendations to address critical societal challenges, including social inclusion, environmental sustainability, digital transformation, and misinformation.
On 17 November, the Manifesto was officially presented at a local conference in Faro, Portugal, gaining the support of local stakeholders. This presentation marked the beginning of a series of events where the Manifesto will be shared in all partner countries, aiming to secure broad support and commitment to its recommendations.
A Collaborative Co-Design Process
The creation of the Manifesto was driven by a collaborative co-design approach that brought together 30 young people, local teams, and project partners. Participants engaged in dynamic workshops and discussions to map out key challenges and propose actionable solutions tailored to four target groups: educators, civil society organizations, municipality workers, and young people.
Focus Areas and Challenges
The co-design sessions centred on four main areas of concern:
- Social Inclusion: Breaking down systemic barriers and ensuring equal opportunities for all.
- Environmental Sustainability: Addressing climate change and promoting eco-friendly urban policies.
- Digital Transformation: Bridging the digital divide and encouraging the responsible use of technology.
- Misinformation: Combating the spread of false information and building media literacy.
Through a collaborative process, participants turned challenges into practical and forward-thinking recommendations, reflecting the values and aspirations of Europe’s youth.
Recommendations for Action
The Manifesto contains 29 actionable recommendations designed to guide stakeholders in creating better cities and communities:
- Educators: Foster critical thinking, media literacy, and sustainability education while promoting inclusivity in schools.
- Policy-makers: Implement transparent, youth-centred policies and prioritize green and digital transformations.
- Youth Organizations: Amplify young voices, support community engagement, and lead innovative initiatives.
- Young People: Actively participate in shaping their communities, champion innovation, and drive change through grassroots efforts.
Presentation and Next Steps
The Manifesto was presented on 17 November during a local conference in Faro, where it was met with strong support. Local stakeholders—including educators, municipal workers, and civil society representatives—signed a letter of commitment, pledging to implement the recommendations in their respective areas of influence.
Looking ahead, the Manifesto will be presented at local conferences in all the partner countries: Denmark, Italy, Estonia, and Romania. These events aim to build a network of stakeholders committed to adopting the recommendations and collaborating on sustainable urban development initiatives.
Explore the Manifesto
To learn more about the European Future Citizens Manifesto and the letter of commitment, you can find them on the project website.
A Call for Collaborative Action
The European Future Citizens Manifesto is not just a vision—it’s a roadmap for action. By addressing key societal challenges through a collaborative and inclusive process, it empowers educators, policymakers, youth organizations, and young people to work together for a brighter and more sustainable future.
With the support of stakeholders across Europe, the Manifesto stands as a testament to the power of youth-driven innovation to inspire meaningful change in communities everywhere.
