The Bilbao City Council is participating in the EPIC-IDEA project, aimed at young people and professionals in the youth sector. The initiative seeks to involve youth in empowerment and social transformation processes, increase their commitment to local communities, and encourage their participation in public policy development.
EPIC-IDEA is developed within the intercultural network linked to the European Intercultural Cities Programme. In Spain, cities such as Bilbao, Castelló de la Plana, Fuenlabrada, and Tenerife are involved.
Within the project, a youth group has promoted awareness and participation activities, including three participatory workshops and a collective artistic action. Additionally, young people have participated in state and European anti-rumor summits in Castellón de la Plana, Tenerife, and Budapest.
The recent meeting's main objective was to convey the voice and experience of young people to the institutional sphere. Participants included Iñigo Zubizarreta, councilor for Human Rights, Coexistence, Cooperation, and Interculturality; director Monika Hernando; and technical staff from the City Council, to address the needs identified by the young people themselves.
Key proposals from the youth include accessible information, real participation and intergenerational dialogue, the use of art, culture, and sports for coexistence, and promoting critical and responsible use of technology against digital hate.
These proposals and conclusions from previous meetings will be incorporated into the Report of Political Recommendations. This document will be developed after an upcoming international youth summit in Strasbourg, aiming to strengthen youth participation in public policy design.
