From 16 to 18 December 2025, the partners of Mediate your Future gathered in Mons for the project’s second transnational meeting. Hosted at the Skylab Factory Mons, this winter meeting marked an important milestone in the project, combining strategic discussions, concrete decisions, and moments of shared inspiration.
Taking stock of progress across the project
The meeting provided a structured opportunity to review the progress of all work packages and align on next steps. Partners discussed the advancement of key outputs, including the Local Heritage Mediation for Active Citizens Booklet, which is now in its final adjustments and will soon be available online, and the EU Heritage Experiences, which are moving into their finalisation and publication phase early next year.
A significant part of the discussions focused on WP3, dedicated to training and tools for youth-led heritage mediation. Partners worked together to refine the online training content, ensuring it is more accessible, engaging, and better adapted to young people aged 15–25. Decisions were taken to clarify the structure, strengthen readability (including typography choices and visual cues), and reinforce the link between theory and practical, real-life examples. The Toolbox for creation and the Best Practices resources also continue to take shape, with a clear ambition to support small-scale, concrete initiatives led by young people.
Supporting youth workers and ensuring quality
The meeting also marked important progress for WP4, which focuses on supporting youth workers. The future Youth Workers Support Manual was presented as a “level 2” resource, complementing the online training with more advanced, practice-oriented guidance. Discussions highlighted the importance of providing clear, usable tools for young project coordinators and facilitators.
Quality management, green practices, dissemination, and project coordination were also key points of exchange. These sessions ensured that the project remains coherent, sustainable, and aligned with its objectives, while maintaining a strong collective dynamic among partners.
Beyond meetings: sharing moments and building connections
Partners also had the chance to discover local traditions, including tasting one of Mons’ culinary specialities, the côtelette al berdouille, and enjoying the festive ambiance of the Christmas market in the city centre.
Christmas tree carousel at the Christmas Market in Mons
Looking ahead
The Mons meeting confirmed that Mediate your Future is firmly on track. The project is entering a new phase of implementation and testing. The next transnational meeting is already scheduled for September 2026 in Italy, hosted by Malakos Museum, where partners will continue to build on this collective momentum.
As the project moves forward, the consortium remains committed to empowering young people through heritage mediation, supporting youth workers, and creating accessible, practical resources that can be used across Europe.