Regional Stakeholder Meeting: Insights from Youth Survey

On February 13, 2025, the fourth Regional Stakeholder Group (RSG) meeting for the Sofia Region took place at the Sofia Innovation Lab. The meeting focused on presenting the results of a recent youth survey conducted by Sofia partners of the SKYLA project.

The survey, which gathered responses from 670 young people (aged 15–29) in Sofia, highlighted a strong interest in community engagement, with many expressing a desire to participate in municipal youth and volunteer initiatives, charitable activities, and environmental projects. Additionally, respondents emphasized a high demand for education and training opportunities, particularly in digital skills, creative arts, environmental sustainability, and personal and professional development.

Conducted as part of the SKYLA project, the survey served as a feedback mechanism to better understand youth trends and skill needs in Sofia. It was organized by Sofia Municipality, the Directorate of Sport and Youth Activities, and the Cluster of Mechatronics and Automation to support the implementation of local youth policies, including the Sofia Strategy for Young People 2017–2027, its "Sofia – City of Young and Active" programme, and the Visioners Academy. The anonymous online questionnaire was open from December 2 to December 20, 2024, offering valuable insights into how young people wish to engage in Sofia’s social and economic development.

The survey results were publicly presented on February 13 to an audience of 26 stakeholders, including representatives from Sofia Municipality, the Youth Centre at Sofia City Council, Sofia Student Council, the Cluster of Mechatronics and Automation, and the University of National and World Economy.

The findings will now be submitted to the Sofia City Council, contributing to discussions on the 2025 programming period and upcoming youth policy activities. These insights will play a crucial role in shaping future initiatives to support young people in Sofia.