Young people are often described as the future of democracy, yet trust cannot be built by simply inviting them to participate. Trust grows when young people are genuinely listened to, empowered to contribute and able to see the real impact of their ideas on the communities where they live.

This masterclass explores how the Municipality of Cascais is fostering a culture of trust by creating meaningful opportunities for youth participation and civic leadership. Through a range of local initiatives, programmes and participatory processes, Cascais has sought to move beyond symbolic engagement and support young people as active contributors to community life and local decision-making. Participants will learn how youth participation can strengthen democratic values, increase social cohesion and build bridges between generations, institutions and communities. The session will showcase practical examples of how young people in Cascais engage in civic projects, community initiatives and participatory processes that enable them to develop leadership skills while contributing to positive social change.

The masterclass will also address some of the challenges that many communities face today, including political disengagement, distrust in institutions and barriers to youth involvement. By examining successful approaches and lessons learned, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how local governments and organisations can create environments where young people feel valued, respected and motivated to take action.

Through interactive discussion and peer exchange, participants will be invited to reflect on their own experiences and identify strategies for strengthening youth engagement in their communities. The session will emphasise the importance of shared responsibility, dialogue and collaboration in building lasting trust between young people and public institutions. By the end of the masterclass, participants will have gained practical insights into how meaningful participation can nurture the next generation of civic leaders and contribute to more inclusive, democratic and resilient communities.