The objective of the project was to increase the real influence of young people on shaping reality in a medium- and long-term perspective. The project aimed to create new, sustainable structures—youth think tanks—that would empower young people to develop analyses, strategies, and recommendations for decision-makers, as well as to lead their own initiatives and educational activities. It also sought to promote a model of cooperation between youth, experts, researchers, and civil society organizations, positioning young people as leaders, analysts, and strategists. An important component of the project was the promotion of civic engagement and the development of social and political competences among youth. Another key goal was to design and implement systemic solutions that support the inclusion of young people with fewer opportunities in participatory processes. The project also had a strong educational dimension—its results enabled other organizations to replicate the developed model and support the emergence of additional youth think tanks across Europe.
The project was developed in response to the growing need to increase the influence of young people on shaping local, regional, and European policies, as well as the lack of lasting and effective mechanisms for youth engagement—especially for those with fewer opportunities. The context included numerous youth initiatives that were short-term and based on ad hoc participation, without the possibility of building strategies or ensuring long-term impact. The project addressed these needs by proposing a new organizational model in the form of youth think tanks—apolitical analytical and strategic units run by young people. The aim was to create a space where youth could not only participate but also independently design actions, prepare analyses and recommendations, and cooperate with decision-makers and experts. An additional motivation for implementing the project was the need to strengthen cross-sector cooperation—between young people, universities, NGOs, and public institutions—as well as the need to develop civic education tools that are accessible, inclusive, and effective. Another key need was the absence of organizational models enabling young people with fewer opportunities to engage long-term and have a real influence.