
Token 4 Change: A week of reflection and networking
From September 30 to October 4, 2024, our project partner Integrity.earth hosted the Token 4 Change Kick-Off Event - a week dedicated to the joint development of the project. In collaboration with the Formatio Private School Masterclass, the week offered space for intensive discussions and reflection sessions with five committed young people and representatives from business, education, politics and youth work. These discussions not only opened up new perspectives, but also strengthened the network and expanded cooperation.
The conference "Young voices, strong impulses" kicked off on Monday. This conference was a key highlight and offered young people the opportunity to present their concerns and ideas for the future. Discussing the needs and visions of young people made it clear how important it is to actively involve them in decision-making processes. At the same time, the various stakeholders were able to reflect on how existing structures need to be adapted in order to promote the untapped potential of young people in Liechtenstein.
Focus on co-creation
On Tuesday, the project's impact group came together to plan concrete steps for the future direction of Token 4 Change. The intensive exchange at eye level showed how much power lies in a co-creative process. Everyone involved was able to contribute his or her expertise in order to jointly develop new paths and sustainable solutions for the future.
The dialog with the young people revealed that, in addition to active participation, they primarily need quick and easy access to information. They often find advertising annoying; instead, they are looking for reliable information about friends, school and family. They know that social media is mainly entertainment and not a trustworthy source of information. They often feel disconnected in communities and lack an effective flow of information.
Valuable input from youth organizations
In addition, the visits to AHA - Jugendinfo Liechtenstein and Vorarlberg, jugend.digital and the Fachstelle für freiwilliges Engagement Vorarlberg (FEB) provided valuable input for the project. These visits showed how digital participation and volunteering can be used strategically to strengthen youth participation and expand opportunities for participation.
Overall, the week made it clear that the potential for good information and the participation of young people in Liechtenstein has not yet been exhausted. The young people have shown their willingness to actively participate - now it is up to us to offer them the necessary space and structural framework conditions. It is particularly important to expand and strengthen our network of stakeholders from business, education, politics and youth work in order to promote this potential in the long term.
Real change through collaboration
The week impressively demonstrated that real change can only be achieved through dialog and cooperation. The jointly developed approaches and ideas make it clear that positive and sustainable development is only possible if all those involved - from young people to experienced players - contribute their strengths in an interdisciplinary framework.