Youth Agoras Bridging Generations and Empowering Citizenship Across Europe

forthcoming

The Western Balkans, deeply affected by historical conflicts and contemporary crises, faces significant challenges in participatory democracy, characterized by low citizen engagement and pronounced divides in democratic engagement across generations. While the EU also grapples with similar challenges, innovative models of participatory democracy are emerging that underscore the urgent need to transfer these strategies in the Western Balkans to enhance democratic participation. Inspired by the ancient Greek agora, a foundational space for democratic discourse and decision-making, the Y-Agora project aims to rejuvenate local democracy by establishing Youth Agoras; or local democracy hubs. These modern Agoras serve as dynamic forums where young people can actively participate in democratic processes, engaging in discussions, influencing policymaking, and enhancing social cohesion. This initiative includes structured dialogues, advocacy training and mentoring, and community actions facilitated through contemporary Agoras, equipping 51 youth and youth workers with critical skills and implementing eight significant local political actions, thus advocating for sustainable policy change. Operating across four Western Balkan countries—Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Albania—with the expertise of Out of the Box International, a seasoned Brussels-based organization skilled in democratic engagement, Y-Agora aims to establish a sustainable model of democratic participation that impacts over 5,150 individuals, including youth, policymakers, and the older generation, fostering robust democratic engagement across the region.