Objectives:

Young leaders - connecting with other young people and experts around the country/world who are working on similar issues and projects; combining their knowledge to discuss and brainstorm how to overcome largest roadblocks facing cities; take these learnings back to their own work.

Experts - support young leaders through providing their expertise, offer resources/connections to young attendees, understand different projects by young leaders + other experts and find collaborations for their own work,  strengthen their work by understanding what others are working on globally.

Modalities:

Innovative networking modalities were adopted by the session, including the line up with questions, open group discussion and dedicated thematic discussions. The richness of the discussions was telling of how important it is to have different and innovative modalities of capacity-building in general and for young people in particular. 

Key Outcomes and Takeaways:

1. Reimagining Funding and Financial Accessibility 

• The current funding system often stifles youth-driven innovation, making it challenging to secure sustainable support. Solutions discussed include adopting trust-based philanthropy, regranters (redistributing resources to smaller initiatives), and focusing on core, long-term funding that supports organizational stability. 

• Youth-focused funding should prioritize collaboration over competition, reduce administrative barriers, and allow for intergenerational access to resources and mentorship. 
 
2. Building Strategic Alliances and Human-Centered Frameworks 

• Strategic alliances were identified as critical for creating urban systems that prioritize people’s needs. This involves sharing frameworks and resources, building awareness, and ensuring that young voices are included in city development. 

• Through co-creation, the aim is to make knowledge accessible, involve youth meaningfully at every stage, and incentivize civic engagement. By aligning messaging and messengers with specific audiences, young people can better connect with and influence their communities. 
 
3. Storytelling as a Tool for Trust and Connection 

• Storytelling emerged as a powerful way for youth to communicate urban issues, foster trust, and engage communities. Emphasis was placed on protecting storytellers and their stories, recognizing that these stories are gifts to be handled respectfully. 

• Youth storytellers need to feel safe and in control of their narratives. Building trust within communities and with audiences is essential for effective storytelling. 
 
4. Effective and Inclusive Youth Representation 

• Youth representation in decision-making needs to go beyond tokenism. The group highlighted the importance of meaningful engagement and leadership opportunities that allow young people to shape and endorse initiatives, either from within their groups or with external support. 

• Youth representation should also include training in negotiation and diplomacy to help navigate different agendas and amplify youth-driven initiatives. 
 
5. Creating Accessible and Sustainable Solutions 

• Participants called for more accessible opportunities across sectors, advocating for long-term investments in people and solutions to ensure sustained impact. 

• Online communities offer one way to reduce accessibility barriers, providing spaces for young people to collaborate, share ideas, and build support systems. 
 
Thematic Group Insights: 

• Unlocking Funds: Strengthen accessibility, reduce administrative burdens, and promote long-term support. 

• Strategic Alliances: Build awareness, engage communities, and diversify expertise. 

• Storytelling: Emphasize safety, control, and trust. 

• Youth Representation: Enhance leadership, ensure meaningful involvement, and provide negotiation skills. 

 
This session underscored the value of intergenerational collaboration, decolonizing imagination, and the practice of “yes…and” to foster innovation and overcome roadblocks. These discussions reflect a shared commitment to making cities more inclusive, adaptable, and sustainable through the active and empowered participation of youth.