Can young people truly influence the decisions of policymakers? The answer to this question was delivered during the National Structured Dialogue held on February 24, 2026, at the Faculty of Sport and Psychology (TIMS) in Novi Sad. The event brought together 50 students and representatives from the Provincial Institute for Sport and Sports Medicine, creating a unique space for the direct exchange of ideas.

Breaking barriers

Moving away from traditional lectures, the focus was placed on the practical empowerment of youth. Public sector representatives, who actively participate in creating national strategies, opened the doors of their institutions to students, explaining their rights to public spaces and the mechanisms through which they can communicate their needs. The President of ASFAS, Branko Vujović, emphasized the importance of the partnership with TIMS: “The doors of the Association remain open to you – not only for gaining practical experience during your studies but also as future partners and professional associates after graduation.”

Youth as equal partners

As part of the Youth Placemaking Balkans project, students were given the opportunity to speak directly with representatives of the Provincial Institute for Sport and Sports Medicine. The focus on a live dialogue and about how to adapt public surfaces to meet the needs of young people and the concrete steps they need to take.

An inspiring example

The highlight of the dialogue was the presentation of a successful transformation of a schoolyard designed “to the measure of children.” “Before and after” photographs proved that collaboration between schools, youth, and local self-government results in functional spaces for active recreation and exercise. Participants rated the dialogue with an exceptionally high satisfaction score of 96.4%, confirming that they felt free to criticize, propose, and dream of better cities.