The Youth Monitor project, developed by the Porto Metropolitan Area (AMP), was distinguished by the Erasmus+ National Agency with the Erasmus+ Youth and Sports Best Practices Award, in the Cooperation Partnerships action, Digital Transformation category.

This recognition reflects the strategic vision adopted by the AMP for the Youth area in the 2021/2025 mandate, defined by the Metropolitan Council and driven by its President, Eduardo Vitor Rodrigues. Considering Youth as a priority action dimension, the AMP has been leading the creation of innovative and inclusive public policies, aligned with national and European values and principles.

A collaborative and pioneering strategy

Fostering the growth and cohesion of the metropolitan territory, the AMP articulated efforts with its 17 municipalities, promoting the creation of the Metropolitan Council of Councillors for Youth. This body was supported by a working group of youth practitioners, which, in close collaboration with local, regional and national entities such as the IPDJ - Portuguese Institute for Sports and Youth, the CNJ – National Council for Youth, the FNAJ - National Federation of Youth Associations, the FAJDP - Federation of the Porto Youth Associations, the FAJDA - Federation of the Aveiro Youth Associations, the FAP – Porto Academic Federation, the Youth Foundation and the Association of Youth Practitioners, identified priority areas of action for the territory.

Among the initiatives developed, the need to implement a Metropolitan Monitor for Youth Public Policy was highlighted. This mechanism aims to support sustained policy decisions, promote communication between municipalities and communities, and assess the impact of public policies aimed at youth.

An international reference project

To achieve this vision, the AMP submitted an application to the Erasmus+ programme, in partnership with the Portuguese Association of Youth Practitioners and international organisations, including:

• Deputación de Barcelona (Spain)

• Municipality of Cinisello Balsamo (Italy)

• Municipality of Ramnicu Sarat (Romania)

• University for Continuing Education Krems (Austria).

The proposal was approved under the “Cooperation Partnerships – Key Action 2”, with funding of EUR 250 000. The project, which began in September 2023 and is scheduled to end in September 2025, aims to create an innovative tool that provides a comprehensive picture of the youth reality in the metropolitan territory, catalysing the action of municipalities and promoting a participatory approach.

Recognition and impact

The prize recently awarded by the Erasmus+ National Agency recognises not only the pioneering nature of the Youth Monitor project, but also the collaborative work methodology adopted, involving policy makers, young people, youth practitioners and partner entities.

This award reflects the joint effort of the Metropolitan Council, the Council of Councillors for Youth, the municipal practitioners, and the young people of the territory. It also highlights the crucial role of international partners, particularly the Portuguese Association of Youth Practitioners, represented by its President, Hilário Matos.

The Youth Monitor is undoubtedly an example of best practices that puts the AMP at the forefront of youth public policies, both at national and European level, reaffirming the commitment to digital transformation and building a more inclusive and participatory future for young people in the region.