Youthmakers Hub joined 25 participants from 10 countries in Istanbul to explore digital education, EU policies, and youth-led solutions for local communities.

On 7 November 2026, Konstantinos Maragkos, Co-founder and CEO of Youthmakers Hub (YMH), participated in the Digital Erasmus+: EU Policy Update Summit on Digital Education and Global Partnerships, held in Istanbul, Turkey.

Organized by GEZİDER and gE4Istanbul, the local chapter of the garagErasmus Foundation, the Summit was a youth-led initiative bringing together 25 participants from 10 EU and non-EU countries to exchange experiences, explore European digital education policies, and develop practical ideas for their communities.

The Summit focused on how the Digital Education Action Plan 2021–2027 can translate into meaningful opportunities for young people and local communities.

Participants explored European initiatives, including the Union of Skills and Global Gateway, and discussed real project examples demonstrating how digital education can support inclusion, skills development, and international cooperation.

Through interactive discussions and group-based design thinking sessions, participants worked together to develop ideas that could help more citizens access and benefit from digital education.

Representing Youthmakers Hub, Konstantinos Maragkos supported participants during the brainstorming and co-creation sessions, sharing practical insights from YMH’s experience implementing projects across Europe and Africa.

Among the examples presented was the AU-EU Youth Voices Lab mobile app, developed by Youthmakers Hub under the AU-EU Youth Voices Lab – Power of the Collective programme.

The app demonstrates how digital tools can support youth engagement, knowledge sharing, and collaboration across borders.

The Summit also highlighted the importance of creating spaces where young people can take ownership of ideas and turn them into action.

Through its gE4cities initiative, the garagErasmus Foundation supports young people in urban and rural communities by providing access to training, networking, and funding opportunities to develop projects adapted to their local contexts.

As an active supporter of the garagErasmus network and its local chapters, Youthmakers Hub continues to share knowledge, expertise, and good practices that can inspire youth-led initiatives across different communities.

We thank GEZİDER, gE4Istanbul, and the garagErasmus Foundation for organizing this youth-led initiative and bringing together young people committed to shaping the future of digital education.