In June 2025, YOUROPE researcher Luca Morini presented his work on participatory mapping and playful design methods at the ANGEL Conference in Berlin, sparking new connections with fellow European democracy projects and reinforcing the value of community-led approaches to youth engagement.
The YOUROPE project reached new audiences when researcher Luca Morini, Associate Professor at Coventry University, presented his work at the ANGEL Conference 2025 in Berlin on 5th June. The event brought together over 200 researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to explore how research can support democracy, peace, human rights, sustainability, and social justice.
Research Meets Practice
Luca’s presentation focussed on two years of research into participatory mapping and playful design methods. His work demonstrates how playful, co-creative approaches help people critique and reimagine dysfunctional systems. These methods facilitate cross-cultural conversations on sustainability, democracy, and migration whilst promoting systems thinking and planetary citizenship.
Community-Led Research Takes Centre Stage
At the heart of Luca’s presentation was the Community-Led Research and Action (CLRA) methodology being developed within YOUROPE. These approaches empower young people to drive real change in their communities, perfectly aligning with the conference’s focus on democratic participation.
“I had the privilege of sharing insights about how these methods give young people the power to shape their communities,” Luca reflected. “The response showed how much appetite there is for approaches that move beyond teaching about democracy to creating real opportunities for democratic engagement.”
Building European Networks
The presentation attracted significant interest from partners in the DEMOCRAT project, another Horizon Europe initiative focussed on Education for Democracy. This positive contact highlighted how YOUROPE’s community-led approach complements broader European efforts to make democracy more inclusive and responsive.
Complementary Approaches to Democratic Engagement
Whilst DEMOCRAT focusses on formal education curricula, YOUROPE takes a grassroots, community-led approach rooted in local contexts. Both projects, however, share a fundamental recognition: young people need real opportunities to engage with democracy, not just learn about it in the classroom.
A Growing Movement
The conference reinforced that YOUROPE’s emphasis on community-led research and action contributes to a growing European movement ensuring democracy works for everyone—especially young people often excluded from decisions shaping their lives. Through events like the ANGEL Conference, these innovative methodologies continue to inspire new collaborations and democratic participation across Europe.