On 20 February 2026, Istrian Sport Academy organised the Croatian National Youth Structured Dialogue within the Youth Placemaking Balkans (YPB) project, hosted during the Štarkomanija community sports event in Osijek.

The dialogue brought together young people, youth workers, civic organisations, representatives of associations working with persons with disabilities, and local stakeholders to discuss how young people can actively contribute to shaping inclusive and accessible public spaces in their communities.

The event combined a structured dialogue session with the dynamic environment of a community sports event, allowing participants to reflect on public spaces through real-life experiences. Young participants shared their perspectives on how sport facilities, recreational areas and community venues influence participation, inclusion and social interaction among youth.

Through moderated discussions and group exchanges, participants identified key challenges related to youth participation in decision-making processes, accessibility of public spaces, and communication between youth initiatives and local institutions. Special attention was given to the role of sport as a powerful tool for social inclusion and community engagement.

The dialogue created an open and collaborative atmosphere where youth voices were placed at the centre of discussion, encouraging direct interaction between young participants and community stakeholders. The activity also marked an important step towards establishing a national youth placemaking network in Croatia, aiming to strengthen cooperation between youth organisations and local actors.

The Youth Placemaking Balkans project promotes youth active citizenship and empowers young people to take part in designing and improving the spaces they use every day.