The project involved three main components:

1. Best Practices (BP)
We conducted an open call across Croatia to identify and collect five best practices that showcase effective youth engagement in public spaces. These initiatives, ranging from urban revitalization projects to community-based arts programs, demonstrate how youth can play a pivotal role in transforming and shaping their environments. 

2. Focus Groups (FG)
We conducted three focus groups with youth from Pula and Zagreb to gather insights on how young people perceive and use public spaces. Key findings revealed:

Safety concerns: Youth in Zagreb expressed the need for better lighting and safety, especially at night.
Challenges: Lack of multifunctional spaces and playground content were identified as barriers to regular use.
Desire for change: Participants requested more well-maintained, diverse spaces, with added amenities like water fountains and seating. The focus groups provided essential qualitative data on the barriers preventing youth from fully utilizing public spaces.

3. Literature Review (Content Research)
Our research also involved a detailed review of national and regional documents that analyze youth engagement trends and challenges. The review highlighted several key findings:

Trends: Increasing youth participation in governance and community planning is becoming a focal point across national policies.
Challenges: Barriers such as political disengagement, socio-economic disparities, and a lack of trust in institutions limit youth participation, particularly in rural areas.
Recommendations: The need for better coordination between local authorities, more youth-focused initiatives, and digital engagement tools were emphasized as ways to enhance youth involvement. This review provided a broader context for understanding the dynamics of youth inclusion in public spaces in Croatia.