On July 9, 2025, ALDA hosted the first Co-Creation Group Meeting for the OUT4INGOV project, a transnational initiative funded by the Interreg Alpine Space programme, focused on countering youth out-migration and fostering participatory governance in marginal Alpine territories.
This inaugural meeting brought together project partners and stakeholders from three key territories: 🏔️ Trentino (Italy),  Maribor (Slovenia), and Vesoul (France).
Led by the Autonomous Province of Trento, one of the project’s aims is to co-design and pilot a Youth Consultative Body that enables structured, sustained youth migrants’ involvement in local and regional policymaking processes.
🔍 Project Objectives
OUT4INGOV tackles the pressing issue of youth “brain drain” in rural Alpine areas by creating spaces for youth engagement and strengthening policies related to youth mobility and territorial cohesion.
The Co-Creation Group is the backbone of this effort – bringing together local authorities, youth representatives, civil society actors, and experts to collaboratively design a prototype Consultative Body that can advise and collaborate with decision-makers.
The group explored how Local Youth Councils could serve as effective, inclusive platform for youth policy advocacy. Participants emphasized the need for:
- 🗳️ Clear mandates and formal recognition
- 🤝 Inclusive representation across backgrounds
- 📢 A strong communication strategy
- 🔄 Sustainability beyond the project timeline
Interactive sessions using tools like Slido gathered participant input on the Consultative Body’s decision-making level, with consensus around aiming for structured “dialogue” – a collaborative but non-binding engagement model with public authorities.
As the project advances, ALDA and partners will:
- Finalize a prototype model of the Youth Consultative Body
- Prepare for the second and third Co-Creation Group meetings, including feedback and testing
- Pilot the model within local partner territories and local network
- Integrate results into policy proposals and capacity-building resources
This project aligns with ALDA’s long-standing mission to promote participatory democracy and inclusive governance. Through OUT4INGOV, youth are not just consulted – they’re empowered as decision-shapers in their communities.
By anchoring this process in real regional contexts, the initiative ensures that youth in marginal areas have a voice and the tools to make it heard.
Stay tuned for more updates as OUT4INGOV continues building bridges between youth and governance!
