Innovative Thinking Lab “Youth Movements in Times of Political Polarisation”
The Innovative Thinking Lab series is a participatory, design-based training format that empowers youth leaders to collaboratively explore complex societal challenges. The series two Labs:
- The first Lab, “Youth Movements in Times of Political Polarisation”, will take place in Romania from February 11 to 15, 2026.
- The second Lab will focus on fake news, digital, and media literacy and will be hosted in France from March 26 to 30, 2026. More information on this Lab will be shared soon.
Organised as a joint Voices of Change project initiative between World Scouting (WOSM) and the Erasmus Student Network (ESN), funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union, the Labs will bring together passionate youth and experts from across Europe to explore political polarisation, strengthen cross-sectoral collaboration, and design real-world initiatives relevant to young people.
This Lab explores how youth organisations navigate the tensions between political neutrality, activism, and value-based engagement in increasingly polarised societies. Through dialogue, peer exchange, and design thinking, participants will reflect on what it means to be “a-political,” analyse how their movements respond to societal and global conflicts, and co-create tools for responsible positioning and communication. The Lab provides a safe and reflective space for unpacking contested narratives, examining internal and external pressures, and strengthening the capacity of youth leaders to act with integrity and unity in divided contexts.