The project focuses on empowering individuals aged 16 to 35 through the SDGs Tackler Youth toolkit, fostering active engagement with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Emphasizing inclusivity, it encourages youth to be proactive contributors, not just recipients. With an innovative and transformative approach, the project provides universally accessible self-learning tools, specifically tailored for the 16 to 35 age group. The SDGs Tackler Youth Toolkit aims to equip individuals with the skills needed to effectively address global challenges. Practically, the initiative involves collecting, organizing, and creating educational materials, emphasizing hands-on learning. It establishes virtual spaces for young people to share ideas, develop design skills, and actively contribute to institutions and social life. The overarching goal is to enhance employment opportunities by instilling planning and creativity skills. In summary, the project comprehensively empowers the youth, aged 16 to 35, fostering inclusivity, innovation, and effective participation in addressing social and sustainable development challenges through accessible learning tools and practical experiences.
The reason why the project was developed is linked to the growing need to engage younger generations, who have been significantly affected by the COVID-19 crisis, as well as a heightened interest in youth and generational development policies. The initiative has been strongly influenced by the Next Generation EU Plan, which has incorporated a dedicated pillar for Youth Policies, and by Ursula Von der Layen's declaration designating 2022 as the European Year of Youth. The context has led the partners to perceive the project as timely and particularly suitable in this situation, offering a unique opportunity for younger generations to acquire tools to understand the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and apply them practically through design. The positive experience gained from the "Phoenix Factory" project in Italy has further motivated the consortium to expand and replicate a similar process on a larger scale. The need to be addressed was to create an educational and participatory environment that teaches design methodologies related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with the aim of developing a stimulating innovation ecosystem.