From March 2nd to 5th, 2025, the EU Youth Conference took place in Lublin, bringing together young leaders, representatives of NGOs, and decision-makers from across Europe. This significant event within the European Youth Dialogue framework offered a platform to discuss the most pressing challenges and priorities of the young generation. This year’s main topics focused on youth engagement in decision-making, safety in the EU, and the future of the digital world.
Live sketching for events – capturing what matters
During the event, I had the pleasure of creating a graphic recording of each session. Live illustrations summarizing the panels and workshops were drawn in real-time, visualizing key discussion points and engaging the audience. These graphics were displayed on the main screen after each presentation, and a slideshow of the illustrations ran in the foyer during coffee breaks, keeping the conversation going.
As with every live sketching project, I started by preparing title slides, logos, and speaker introductions in advance, aligned with the event’s visual identity. All graphics were created digitally on an iPad using an Apple Pencil and shown “live” during the event. This is known as live scribing or live sketching for events.
While the panels and speeches were unfolding, I focused on capturing the most important points visually. These graphic notes were then projected on the main stage between sessions. The hosts introduced each visual, and participants often took photos to share on social media.
The illustrations weren’t only shown on the main screen, but also on side screens in the main conference hall. During longer breaks, they were featured in a slideshow on large monitors in the foyer, encouraging attendees to reflect on key takeaways.
Day One – panels and discussions
Opening, Power Speech, Intro
Barbara Nowacka opened the event by highlighting that young people are the core of Europe and that their perspective should shape the continent’s future. Glenn Micallef emphasized the importance of youth participation, Rares Voicu spoke about trust and engagement, and Magdalena Sobkowicz-Czarnecka raised the issue of disinformation. The topic of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and its impact on European stability was also addressed.
In the Power Speech, Hanna Misniakiewicz spoke about authenticity, empathy, and collaboration as essential “superpowers.”
During the Introduction to Youth Goal #1, Ondřej Bárta and Jan Palasz called for stronger connections between young people and the EU, ensuring their voice translates into policy. Dan Moxon emphasized the importance of EUYD11 and the need for actionable ideas the EU can implement for youth.
Panel Discussion – Empowered voices: Europe’s youth for a secure & united future
Barbara Nowacka, Glenn Micallef, Michael McLoughlin, Nina Grmuša, and Rareș Voicu discussed security from political, social, and economic perspectives. They stressed the importance of youth influence on decisions affecting their future. The panel covered access to education, equal opportunities, support for youth citizens, the creation of youth spaces, and enhancing representation via the Advisory Council on Youth. Moderators Spyros Papadatos and Max Fras led the discussion.
Meetings with youth organisations
Several youth-led organizations showcased their initiatives for empowering young people in Lublin. Baobab Homo Faber Association focused on integrating migrants and minorities. Child Advocacy Centre presented therapeutic and developmental programs. The Youth Information & Development Centre highlighted youth civic engagement and entrepreneurship. Youth Space Network introduced eight safe and inclusive spaces for young people. Trip.Art focused on building international connections between youth.
Commission consultation – Intergenerational fairness in the EU
In the “Intergenerational Fairness in the EU” workshop led by Maciej Krzysztofowicz, participants discussed how to ensure equality between generations. They explored divergence and convergence in decision-making for a better future. Discussions addressed intergenerational relationships – what younger people value in older generations, what raises concern, and what they expect for the future. A five-step strategy was presented, covering analysis, vision-building, strategic planning, implementation, and policy adoption.
Days One and Two – working group 4 sessions
Topic 1 – You & EU Values
The first two groups explored trust in EU institutions and the impact of disinformation. They identified barriers limiting youth access to opportunities and suggested increased transparency, civic education, and stronger youth involvement in EU processes.
Visual notes for these workshops were created by my colleague from Lublin, Anna Poterucha-Radomska, known as “Zarażona rysowaniem.”
Topic 2 – Your Safety in the EU
The next groups focused on youth safety. They highlighted how declining optimism leads to reduced civic engagement and weaker youth representation in politics. Recommendations included proclaiming a European Year of Resilience and funding long-term projects to strengthen community safety.
Graphic notes were prepared by Agata Jakuszko, creator of Drawthewords.pl.
Topic 3 – You in a Digital World
Two more groups tackled digital challenges. They discussed issues like fake news, identity verification gaps on social media, and online safety. Solutions proposed included digital education, stricter content regulation, and accountability for online platforms.
This visual recording was created by Joanna Stachowska of Sketch in Spanish.
Topic 4 – You and Your Voice in the EU
Participants explored barriers limiting youth influence on European politics. They addressed the lack of recognition for young activists and insufficient implementation mechanisms. Recommendations included empowering youth organizations and including non-affiliated youth in policy-making processes.
Topic 5 – Youth Dialogue: Best Practices & Case Studies
Discussions centered around building effective youth dialogue structures. Clear roles, political influence, and stable funding were emphasized. Suggestions included expanding Youth Wiki and creating new working groups outside the EU.
Day Three – Results and Reflections
Working group results
Key recommendations from the workshops were presented. Laure Verstraete, Ewelina Milon-Czerwik, Ondřej Bárta, Dan Moxon, and Jan Palasz emphasized diverse outreach, especially beyond EU borders. They addressed funding, sustainability, and the need for greater support and coordination among youth delegates.
Youth power in action: bridging local voices & European values
Panelists Michał Braun, Biliana Sirakova, Marija Bovsunovska, and Lilianna Pankowska discussed aligning grassroots youth initiatives with EU policy. They emphasized the role of civic organizations and local strategies in shaping Europe’s future.
Conference summary
In the closing session, speakers including Beata Stepaniuk-Kuśmierczyk, Tomasz Krześniak, Michael Teutsch, and Joanna Mucha reinforced the message that youth voices matter. They emphasized the need for youth-led spaces, meaningful influence, and restoring trust in democracy. Erasmus+ was highlighted as a key tool for fostering collaboration.
Benefits of live sketching for events
For event organizers, incorporating graphic recording—the real-time creation of illustrated summaries—offers a range of benefits:
1. Increased participant engagement
- Visual notes draw attention and make it easier to follow presentations.
- Participants are more likely to get involved in discussions when they see their ideas and comments illustrated live—especially effective during workshops.
- These illustrated summaries also serve as engaging visual elements that enrich the overall atmosphere of the event.
2. Better retention of information
- Images and symbols help participants remember key points more effectively.
- Graphic summaries support the understanding of complex topics by presenting them in a clear, structured way.
- They also serve as lasting takeaways from the event that attendees can return to later.
3. A more dynamic conference experience
- Live sketching for events adds an innovative and modern touch to how content is presented.
- Visual notes also act as creative decor for the conference space.
- They can be reused in post-event materials and promotional content.
4. Improved communication
- Graphic summaries enhance communication among participants.
- They are great tools for wrapping up discussions and outlining shared conclusions—especially valuable during group work or co-creation sessions.
- They’re also particularly helpful in international settings, where participants speak different languages.
5. Event promotion
- The completed visuals can be used to promote the event on social media.
- Graphic recording offers a unique and memorable way to document what happened during the conference.
- Attendees often share the visuals in their own networks, organically expanding the event’s reach.
Graphic recording is a powerful tool that brings value to any event. It boosts engagement, supports learning, enriches the experience, improves communication, and amplifies visibility.
If you’re curious how live sketching could enhance your next event—feel free to reach out! I’d love to tell you more.
