Young leaders, policymakers and regional partners from the Western Balkans gathered in Ljubljana on Monday for the Final Conference of the Youth Policy Lab on the Green Agenda, organised by the Regional Cooperation Council’s (RCC) EU-funded Western Balkans Youth Lab Project (WBYL2).
The event marked the conclusion of the third Youth Policy Lab, following earlier editions focused on youth unemployment and mental health. It showcased how youth-led initiatives are driving progress on the Green Agenda across the region.
“The Youth Policy Lab serves as a bridge between generations and institutions, fostering dialogue that turns innovative ideas into concrete policies,” said Ognjen Marković, Team Leader of the Western Balkans Youth Lab. “Young people across the region are proving that sustainable change begins with local action and shared vision.”
Titled “Blooming Garden of Tomorrow”, the conference brought together co-chairs of the Lab, representatives of youth councils, policymakers and other stakeholders. Speakers included Maja Schussler from the European Commission Representation in Slovenia, Antonio Jovanovski from UNICEF Europe and Central Asia, and Simon Januš from Ljubljana’s Department of Environmental Protection, part of the “100 Cities by 2030” mission.
By engaging young people directly in policy co-creation, the Lab promotes inclusiveness, strengthens cross-sector cooperation and supports the implementation of the Green Agenda through youth-driven initiatives.
Over the past 18 months, working groups from across the Western Balkans have developed practical solutions for greener and more sustainable communities. These include The Green Seat Manual and a methodology for introducing a “green seat” in local youth councils to promote environmental leadership, as well as youth dialogues and analyses on the Green Agenda and “Eco Bonton.”
A comprehensive gap analysis was also produced to enhance youth participation in environmental policymaking. The framework and methodology for Youth Climate Councils were established, providing a structured platform for young people to engage in climate action. Educational resources, such as the Eco Youth Dictionary and a Practical Guide for Active Youth Participation, were developed alongside campaigns to encourage environmental involvement.
Collectively, these initiatives underscore the creativity, leadership and collaboration of young people across the region in advancing sustainable development.
Building on this momentum, the RCC announced that the next Youth Policy Lab will focus on disinformation and media literacy — aiming to equip young people to address one of today’s most pressing challenges with the same cooperative and forward-looking spirit that has defined the Green Agenda Lab.