How can cities better connect with the energy and ideas of young people?
The Eurocities Next Generation Academy provides a practical, inspiring solution: a two-day, challenge-based training programme that brings together young people, city professionals, and international peers to co-create solutions to real urban challenges.
The Next Generation Academy is more than just training. It is a pioneering initiative designed to inspire and empower Europe’s next generation of urban leaders, and to provide European cities with fresh perspectives on their current challenges.
The Academy focuses on equipping young leaders under 30 with the skills and knowledge to address pressing urban challenges, so they can help to build more a sustainable, prosperous future for everyone.
Following last year’s successful pilots in Vilnius and San Sebastian, the Academy is now open to more Eurocities member cities eager to empower young urban leaders and showcase their commitment to inclusive, forward-looking governance.
Why host an event?
Hosting the Academy brings three key benefits:
- Concrete solutions to your city’s urban challenges, developed through a design sprint with up to 30 participants.
- Stronger connections between your international strategy and local youth, enhancing public engagement and visibility.
- Boosting interest in public service, by showing young people that working for cities can be dynamic and purposeful.
Who can take part?
Each edition of the Academy brings together up to 30 participants under the age of 30 from three main groups:
- Local university students and young professionals, recruited by the host city in cooperation with local partners.
- Young city officials from Eurocities member cities, including junior staff and advisors.
- International urban professionals, such as researchers, consultants or entrepreneurs, recruited through Eurocities.
Participation is free of charge, but international participants must cover their own travel and accommodation costs unless otherwise supported by their cities or organisations.
What’s the programme like?
The two-day training for blends site visits, expert workshops and hands-on co-creation. Day one focuses on understanding the challenge and the city context, while day two is dedicated to learning and designing practical proposals.
The event ends with final presentations to city officials. This practice-oriented approach builds valuable skills and delivers actionable recommendations.
What have previous host cities gained?
The first editions of the Eurocities Next Generation Academy took place in Vilnius and San Sebastián, with strong results for both cities.
In Vilnius, the Academy supported the city’s European Green Capital 2025 agenda by generating practical ideas for inclusive and sustainable mobility, including safer school commutes and active travel. The event also helped raise the city’s profile locally, with one participant inspired to pursue a career in city government. City officials praised the format for strengthening youth engagement and attracting new talent.
In San Sebastian, the focus was on retaining young talent. Participants proposed a youth brand, mentoring schemes, job fairs, and networking initiatives. These ideas fed directly into the city’s Talent Strategy. The event gave the city valuable European visibility and helped align its policies more closely with youth priorities.
Both cities reported high satisfaction and highlighted the Academy’s role in boosting local innovation, visibility, and connections with young people.
Who does what?
The host city selects the urban challenge, recruits local participants, covers venue and catering costs, and supports logistics.
Eurocities coordinates the programme design, facilitates expert input, manages international outreach and ensures a smooth delivery.
What’s the timeline and cost?
Organising a Next Generation Academy event takes about five months, including preparation, recruitment and delivery.
Cities can choose from two support options:
- Basic support (€8,000): Eurocities manages the programme; city handles expert logistics.
- Full support (€10,000+): Eurocities also manages expert travel and accommodation.
Typical total costs range from €10,000 to €14,000, depending on the option selected and local arrangements.
Interested in hosting the next edition?
The Eurocities Next Generation Academy has been developed designed to inspire and empower Europe’s next generation of urban leaders, and to provide European cities with fresh perspectives on their current challenges.
If you are interested in hosting a Next Generation Academy event, please contact Guillem Ramirez Chico, Eurocities Academy Coordinator, at guillem.ramirez-chico@eurocities.eu
