16/07/2026
📣Last month, Thelistenprojecteu brought together more than 85 participants from 13 countries for the inspiring online participatory event “Towards Inclusive Citizenship: Engaging Youth and Local Citizens in Creative Participation, Activism and Solidarity”, creating a space where researchers, civil society organisations, public institutions, youth leaders and local communities reflected on how we can build more inclusive, participatory societies.
🎊The event celebrated the three outstanding LISTEN Online Exhibition and Contest winners from Greece and Bulgaria, showcasing how children, young people and people with disabilities are already creating meaningful change through creativity, environmental action, community engagement and cultural expression.
We were honoured to welcome two exceptional keynote speakers:
💬 Bistra Ivanova (Chairperson of Multi Kulti Collective), who shared powerful examples of how culture, storytelling and shared experiences foster belonging and transform communities.
💬 Atanas Radev (President of the National Youth Forum of Bulgaria), who highlighted the vital role of youth organisations in strengthening democracy, solidarity and active citizenship.
The discussion moderated by Dr Mina Hristova, leader of the Bulgarian Listen team, reinforced a powerful message - participation begins long before formal institutions, it starts with trust, shared experiences, creativity and giving people the opportunity to shape their own communities.
✍️The event also marked an important milestone in the LISTEN policy dialogue. Building on 44 policy recommendations contributed by project partners across Europe, participants discussed and voted on a final shortlist addressing youth participation, inclusive governance, community engagement, intergenerational dialogue, cultural participation and support for rural and peripheral communities.
Thank you to everyone who took part in the event and contributed to the discussion.