Context
COVID-19, ongoing wars and the looming threat of climate change have created a challenging and uncertain landscape for today’s youth. These crises have understandably instilled fear and pessimism in many young people. Recognising these hurdles, the ‚Create your City‘ was formed in collaboration with the Ministerium für Neugier und Zukunftslust (Ministry of Curiosity and the Future). The project invites youth aged 12 to 16 to reflect on their city of Linz, envisioning both what they appreciate and what they would change. This initiative emphasises engaging those approaching voting age, encouraging them to become active participants in shaping their communities.
Objectives
‘Create your City’ aims to inspire optimism and empower young people to shape their future. The project recognises the vital role that young people play in shaping the future of their communities. At the Innovationshauptplatz (innovation hub), this age group has the opportunity for digital participation and engagement in a range of events and formats. Create your City is a movement that aims towards a brighter, more inclusive and more sustainable future. It is a call to action for young people to stand up, speak out and actively participate in the transformation of their city.
Implementation
The Innovationshauptplatz is not merely a physical location; it is a hub of ideas and aspirations. It is a digital and physical space where young people can come together, exchange thoughts and collectively envision the Linz of their dreams. Through workshops, discussions and collaborative projects, young participants can actively contribute to the betterment of their city. In addition, the programme actively solicits qualitative feedback through stakeholder consultations. The qualitative data collected through these consultations offers valuable insights into the programme’s impact on the lives of young citizens and the broader community.