From 12 to 14 November, the partners of YouthSOFTPOWER – Youth Engaged in European Soft Power met in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria for the first in-person Kick-off Meeting, hosted by the coordinating organisation Consulta Europa.
After the preliminary online meeting held in September, this on-site gathering represented an important milestone: the moment in which the consortium could finally meet face-to-face, strengthen collaboration, and start building the foundations of an effective, inclusive, and forward-looking partnership.
Over three days of work, the partners reviewed the structure of the project in depth, reconnecting with its mission to empower young people—especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds—with knowledge and skills in SDGs, ODA, soft skills development, and civic participation. The agenda included a full walkthrough of the work packages, responsibilities, milestones, deliverables, and internal procedures, ensuring that each organisation has a clear roadmap for the next 24 months.
The Kick-off Meeting was also an opportunity for team building and strategic reflection. Partners engaged in discussions and brainstorming sessions on how to embed the project’s core values—inclusion, accessibility, participation, and sustainability—throughout all activities and outputs. Special attention was given to the project’s green and inclusive approach, which will guide not only the content we produce but also the way we work together as a consortium.
As we move forward, we look forward to sharing progress, activities, and stories of impact—amplifying young voices and supporting them in becoming active global citizens driving positive change.