The main purpose of the project “Wave of Hope: engaging youth in refugee and migrant inclusion” was to respond to the growing social and political tension across Europe in the wake of the migration crisis, intensified by the invasion of Ukraine. In addition to the constant arrival of migrants and refugees via extremely dangerous routes, such as the Mediterranean crossings, the European context has been marked by an increase in xenophobic rhetoric and discrimination, often fueled by misinformation and exploited by populist and extremist forces. This reality is in direct contradiction to the founding values of the European Union – human dignity, solidarity, equality, and respect for human rights – and poses a serious threat to social cohesion and the democratic future of European societies. In this area, disinformation remains prevalent, and the involvement of young people is often superficial or symbolic. We have therefore identified a number of urgent needs shared by both young people and the organizations involved: - Explore with young people alternative, innovative, and smart forms of participation that can respond to the challenges of the migration crisis and the reception of refugees, contributing to the modernization of responses in the youth sector and public policies; - Clarify and empower young people about their role in promoting social inclusion and building more welcoming and resilient communities; - Create opportunities for training and intercultural interaction between young people from different backgrounds and contexts, as well as with key actors, fostering the appreciation of diversity, empathy, and mutual respect; - Stimulate the development of support networks involving young people, youth organizations, and other civil society entities to promote the integration of refugees; - Encourage the active participation of young people in the design, implementation, and monitoring of inclusion policies and projects, as well as in public awareness initiatives at the local, national, and European levels. Within this framework, the project has set the following general objective: to contribute to building more inclusive communities with regard to the reception and integration of refugees by promoting alternative, smart, and innovative forms of youth participation. Believing in the transformative potential of youth, the project was structured as a participatory and progressive process of empowerment, reflection, and action, in which young people were at the center of decisions and initiatives. Specific objectives of the project: -Develop intercultural skills, active citizenship, and critical thinking, preparing young people to take on a relevant role as agents of awareness and inclusion in their communities; -Explore creative and transnational approaches to combating social exclusion through cooperation between young people from different backgrounds and the sharing of experiences; -Strengthen the role of youth in the implementation of inclusive social policies and responses, promoting their real involvement in decision-making and social transformation processes. The implementation of the project made it possible to respond to specific needs identified in the partner countries: on the one hand, the lack of meaningful opportunities for participation in issues of inclusion and diversity; on the other hand, the absence of structured and safe spaces that enable young people to develop concrete solutions to the challenges facing their communities. In addition, it provided participants with access to credible sources of information on the migration crisis – with a particular focus on the Ukrainian context – promoting information literacy and combating disinformation. Throughout the project, a training course structured around an “action-based training” model was developed. The young promoters received training, deepened their skills, and organized educational and awareness-raising sessions for other young people and decision-makers. This dynamic was complemented by virtual sessions and international mobility, which fostered intercultural dialogue, the co-creation of ideas, and the formulation of innovative proposals. Finally, the project contributed to strengthening the European dimension of youth participation, promoting a sense of belonging to a common community and raising awareness among young people that they have a central role to play in building more just, supportive, and inclusive societies.