NEXT.GEN.FORUM | Für Jugend – Bildung – Politik

In the organizer's words:

NEXT.GEN.FORUM

For youth - education - politics

March 20-21 | Dresden City Forum

The NEXT.GEN.FORUM is a place for young voices, new ideas and constructive exchange. For two days, the forum brings together young people, teachers, civil society actors and political decision-makers to discuss and actively shape democracy, participation and social change.

The forum focuses on the perspectives of young people: their experiences, questions, visions and demands. Through interactive formats such as workshops, world cafés, panel discussions and round tables, participants are invited to listen, learn from each other and develop solutions together. Creative methods, open discussions and encounters at eye level create an environment in which participation is not only discussed, but actually lived.

The NEXT.GEN.FORUM invites participants to take a stand, enter into a dialog and build connections between young people, initiatives, experts and political decision-makers. It is a place for exchange, inspiration and networking, as well as a starting point for developing ideas and turning them into action.

If you want to strengthen your voice, discover new perspectives, network with others or simply stay curious - you've come to the right place: NEXT. GEN.FORUM - because the next generation is shaping the future.

REGISTER NOW FREE OF CHARGE

Friday, March 20, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. | Stadtforum Dresden

9:00 - 9:30 a.m. | Welcome Lounge

Come by, register and start the day with coffee, snacks and relaxed conversations. The Welcome Lounge is a place where you can meet other young participants, make contacts and prepare for the event.

09:30 - 09:45 | Opening

We start the event with a short introduction of the Youth4Change project, a brief overview of the program and a preview of the day.

09:45 - 10:15 | Icebreaker "Take a Stand!"

This interactive icebreaker invites participants to move, reflect and share their perspectives in a dynamic group activity. It creates space for different points of view, encourages dialog and helps the group to exchange views on the key topics of the event.

10:15 - 11:00 a.m. | World Cafe "Youth in Dialogue"

Take part in a series of short, interactive table discussions where you can share ideas, listen to others and explore different perspectives. Participants will rotate between tables, meet new people and exchange views on issues important to young people and their role in society.

11:15 - 12:55 | Workshops

Choose between several interactive workshops and dive into topics that are important to young people today. Through discussions, creative methods and hands-on activities, participants will explore democracy, media, Europe and social change. There are two rounds of workshops, so everyone has the opportunity to take part in two different workshops.

• Logic Lab: Developing strong arguments: Learn how to develop clear and persuasive arguments through interactive exercises, group work and feedback from peers.
• Fake News & Misinformation: Explore how fake news spreads and how it influences opinions. This workshop strengthens media literacy and critical thinking using real-life examples.
• Zine workshop: My city. My country. My Europe: Get creative and express your ideas through art, collages and texts by creating your own zine about belonging and Europe.
• Stereotypes and discrimination: Reflect on stereotypes and discrimination in everyday life through interactive activities and group discussions.
• Digital activism : Discover how social media and digital tools can be used for activism and democratic participation - and what their limits are.

13:30 - 14:15 | Panel discussion "Let's Talk About Change"

In this youth-centered panel discussion, participants will share their ideas, experiences and perspectives on participation, democracy and everyday life. The session creates an open space for young voices and dialog with policy makers, local politicians and experts.

14:15 - 14:30 | Closing

We will end the day with a short reflection on key moments and ideas, ask participants for final feedback and give an outlook on the next steps of the Youth4Change project.

Saturday, March 21, 2026 | 14:00 - 19:30 | Stadtforum Dresden

14:00 - 14:15 | Opening

The JKPeV welcomes us and gives a short introduction to the Youth4Change project, the program and the goals of the event.

14:15 - 14:30 | Keynote "From listening to change"

This keynote explores why young people's voices are so important to today's democracy and how meaningful participation can lead to real change. It highlights the challenges young people face in making their voices heard and how engagement, dialog and action can contribute to a more inclusive and resilient society.

14:30 - 14:50 | Icebreaker "Gramophone - Listening & Story Sharing"

In this interactive activity, participants share short personal stories and practice active listening. Through movement and retelling, they will explore how voices are heard, shared and transformed.

15:00 - 15:30 | Pitch round "Local initiatives"

Local organizations present their work and ideas in short 3-minute pitches. The session provides a quick overview of initiatives, inspires and creates space for exchange and networking.

15:45 - 16:55 | Round table

At these interactive round tables, participants discuss important topics in small groups and exchange ideas, experiences and perspectives. The sessions are discussion-based and focus on developing a common understanding and practical ideas. There are two rounds of round tables so that participants have the opportunity to take part in two different discussions.

• Leading structured dialog to success: This roundtable will discuss how meaningful dialog between young people and policy makers can take place and lead to real results. Participants will discuss what a structured dialog should look like, what young people need to be taken seriously and how recommendations can be put into action.
• Media literacy - finding solutions for the digital age: Participants will work together on practical ways to deal with misinformation and strengthen critical thinking. The discussion will focus on sharing ideas, best practices and solution-oriented approaches for dealing responsibly with digital spaces.
• Diversity - Creating inclusive and accessible spaces: This roundtable invites participants to reflect on barriers to participation and discuss how to create more inclusive and accessible spaces for young people. The focus is on sharing experiences and developing practical ideas for inclusive youth work and civic engagement.
• Civic education - learning democracy: In this panel, participants will talk about what young people need to feel safe, informed and active in democratic life. The session will look at ideas, experiences and approaches to civic education that are relevant, empowering and engaging for young people.

17:00 - 19:00 | Networking Forum "Let's Share One Umbrella"

An open and informal space to meet project partners and local organizations. In the form of an exchange market, participants can explore different initiatives, exchange ideas and make contacts to discover opportunities for collaboration.

19:00 - 20:30 | Closing & Aftershow

A short summary of the key learnings from the two days, followed by feedback from participants and a short evaluation. The event will end with a joint outlook on the next steps of the Youth4Change project.

REGISTER NOW FREE OF CHARGE

About the project: Youth4Change - My city. My country. My Europe

The NEXT.GEN.FORUM is part of the European project Youth4Change - My City. My Country. My Europe (2026-2027), which puts young people at the center of shaping their communities, their countries and Europe. The project creates spaces where young people's perspectives are taken seriously and translated into meaningful participation.

The project is implemented in close cooperation with the city of Dresden and a consortium of experienced organizations from all over Europe: Jugend- & Kulturprojekt e.V. (Germany, coordinator), OBESSU (Belgium), MANO Europa (Lithuania), IDEA (Netherlands), La Guajira and the University of Almería (Spain) and InCo Molfetta (Italy). Together, they bring many years of experience in the fields of youth work, political education, media literacy and democratic participation.

The NEXT.GEN.FORUM in Dresden brings together the city of Dresden, European partners, young people and local stakeholders to exchange ideas, learn from each other and jointly shape the next steps of the Youth4Change project.