Many young people feel disconnected from urban planning and decision-making about their own communities. Yet, they have unique insights into what makes a city or town feel liveable, inclusive, and sustainable. This workshop is designed to engage youth in imagining how their environment could better meet their needs and align with SDG 11. It builds their critical thinking, design, and civic engagement skills while empowering them to see their ideas as valuable contributions to community development.
The workshop begins with a short interactive presentation about SDG 11 and real examples of youth-led urban initiatives around Europe. Participants are divided into small groups (3–6 people). Each group is given a scenario: a neighbourhood with a specific challenge (e.g., lack of green space, youth unemployment, poor transport).
Using markers, flipcharts, and creative tools, each group will design a “sustainable neighbourhood” and develop youth-focused solutions to improve that area. This might include infrastructure ideas, youth hubs, mobility services, or civic campaigns.
Each group presents their idea in a 3-minute pitch at the end. A short reflection follows.
