#F4C – Reimagining our future together through new narratives
Future4Citizens (#F4C) is a European initiative to foster deliberation and democratic participation in Europe through a community-based approach. Rooted in Re-Imagine Europa’s Narrative approach – Listen, Reframe, Act – the F4C project will host a series of Citizen Dialogues across Europe, to reimagine with local citizens alternative scenarios and solutions for our common future.
Economic crisis, global instability, rising inequality, climate disasters… All around the world, negative emotions are increasing social and political polarization, and damaging citizens’ trust in democratic institutions. People’s discontent and protests, amplified by social media, are built into an increasing social fragmentation and political stalemate that impedes addressing the big challenges of society. Breaking this Cycle of Distrust to be able to reimagine a shared vision for the future is the ambitious aim of the Future4Citizens initiative.
In cooperation with La Caixa Foundation and the Spanish Committee of the European League for Economic Cooperation and under the framework of European Capital of Democracy, on 19th October 2023 Re-imagine Europa will host the first Citizens’ Dialogue at CaixaForum Macaya.
By listening to the concerns and hopes of citizens, and building consensus on the most urgent social and economic issues, F4C aims to change the way we think and talk about the Future of Europe.
Following a unique design of interactive sessions, the event will see the participation of local citizens together with experts to debate and collectively reimagine critical issues to reach innovative ideas actionable through a process of co-creation.
Future4Citizens at ECoD’s Program Presentation
The Future4Citizens initiative has also been presented by Re-Imagine Europa’s CEO Erika Stäel von Holstein as part of the Barcelona, European Capital of Democracy (ECoD) official program.
European Commission’s Vice-President Dubravka Šuica, Barcelona’s Mayor Jaume Collboni Cuadrado and ECoD Founder Helfried Carl were some of the prominent speakers who participated in the event held at Barcelona’s City Hall. Vice-President Šuica highlighted the relevant role played by cities in social and democratic innovation, pointing out that “cities like Barcelona are a hive of innovation” and “the European Capital of Democracy will create a vibrant stage for innovation in democracy and best practices in action”. Mayor Collboni also expressed his anticipation for Barcelona becoming a central hub for democratic discourse and innovation with the celebration of dozens of events and activities focused on fostering democratic values and civic engagement.
The project is supported by The Former Member Association of the European Parliament and the European Youth Forum, and is one of the six pilots feeding the research of the is part of the Horizon Europe project ‘ORBIS’.