In June, the YES Forum took part in the CityGenZ Ideathon, hosted by our partner PINA in Koper, Slovenia. The event brought together young people from across Europe to explore key issues affecting youth today and to co-create ideas for a more inclusive and participatory European future.

The Ideathon was a dynamic space for dialogue, creativity, and peer learning. Through interactive workshops and group activities, participants engaged in meaningful discussions on youth participation, political engagement, and social inclusion. The event encouraged critical thinking and gave space for young voices to be heard.

One of the highlights was the opportunity for participants to step into the shoes of youth project designers. Working in teams, they developed and pitched their own project ideas, addressing challenges they identified as priorities in their communities. These sessions helped participants understand the project development process, from needs assessment to proposal writing, and strengthened their confidence to contribute to youth work and policy at European level.

Beyond the workshops, the Ideathon offered a real international youth exchange experience: participants connected across cultures, built new friendships, and reflected together on the role of young people in shaping the future of Europe.

More about the CitiGenZ project

Pictures: PINA