The increasing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into daily life presents both opportunities and challenges, particularly for young people. A 2023 study surveying 4,006 European citizens across eight countries revealed that while over half of the population holds a positive attitude toward AI, there exists a low level of self-assessed competency regarding AI technologies. This gap in understanding may hinder individuals' ability to critically assess and engage with AI-driven tools [Artificial Intelligence across Europe: A Study on Awareness, Attitude and Trust by Teresa Scantamburlo]. Further research focusing on young Europeans aged 18 to 30 indicates that, despite an awareness of the transformative potential of AI, there is a significant lack of knowledge concerning the datafication of everyday life—a fundamental aspect underpinning AI systems. This knowledge gap compromises their capacity to critically evaluate the socio-technological changes brought about by AI [WEIZENBAUM INSTITUT, study by Emilija Gagrčin, Nadja Schaetz, Niklas Rakowski, Roland Toth]. Recognizing these challenges, the European Commission has emphasized the necessity for AI literacy. In 2022, it published “Ethical guidelines” aimed at educators to promote a better understanding of AI and data usage in education. These guidelines stress the importance of equipping individuals with the skills to engage positively, critically, and ethically with AI technologies. Goals - This youth exchange project seeks to address these challenges by equipping participants with a foundational understanding of AI and fostering critical thinking about its applications. To ensure a clear focus and measurable outcomes, this project is guided by the following SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) objectives: 1. AI Literacy & Critical Thinking: By the end of the 7-day youth exchange, at least 85% of the 45 participants will demonstrate a minimum 40% increase in their AI literacy and critical thinking score. This will be measured by a comparative analysis of pre- and post-activity quizzes focusing on core AI concepts, ethical challenges, and the environmental impact of AI. 2. Digital Competence & Creativity: By Day 6 of the exchange, 100% of participants will have actively contributed to the collaborative creation of at least one tangible digital end-product (a podcast episode, an entry for the digital toolkit, or the design of a rule-based chatbot dialogue), thereby moving from theoretical knowledge to practical application of digital skills. 3. Dissemination & Outreach: Within three months of the project's conclusion, the project's digital outputs (podcast, digital toolkit) will be published on the online platforms of all partner organizations and YouTube, aiming to reach a combined audience of at least 2,000 unique individuals across the partner countries, as measured by platform analytics. 4. Civic Engagement & European Values: By the end of the exchange (Day 7), participants will collaboratively draft, debate, and unanimously adopt a 10-point 'Youth Declaration on AI Ethics and Digital Rights', positioning them as active European citizens contributing to a significant societal dialogue. Participants recognize the need for education in this area and aim to share their knowledge to benefit others. They seek to develop eight key competencies by combating social exclusion and advocating for human rights, viewing this complex issue as a pathway to achieving their goals. Through collaboration, participants aim to deepen their understanding of AI and its societal impact, help them to build a foundation of knowledge about its applications and challenges. They believe addressing this issue will foster their AI literacy and ethical awareness, ensuring participants develop the skills and knowledge to engage responsibly with AI technologies. The project aims to enable participants to benefit from future-oriented skills that will increase their employability in a rapidly changing labour market. Additionally, the intercultural exchange inherent in the project will promote collaboration and mutual understanding among young people from diverse backgrounds, fostering a sense of shared responsibility in navigating the AI-driven future.