From 3 to 6 November 2026, Limassol, Cyprus, hosted the annual OTB Week gathering of the Out of the Box International network – four days of exchanging experiences, working together and connecting organisations whose work contributes to building more inclusive communities.

Youth participation was at the heart of this year's programme: how to ensure that young people's voices have a genuine impact on decision-making, how to build trust and social cohesion through intercultural dialogue, and how to connect local experiences and initiatives with national and European public policies. Discussions also addressed young people's mental health and well-being, digital participation, artificial intelligence, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.

The programme also provided an opportunity to discuss the sustainability of the non-profit sector, exchange knowledge about the Horizon Europe programme, and develop new project ideas and cross-sectoral partnerships. The presentation and discussion of the Limassol Declaration on Youth Participation further connected the topics explored during the gathering with the question of their long-term impact.

For Sarajevo Meeting of Cultures (SMOC), being part of this network is a privilege. It gives us the opportunity to work, create, explore and develop ideas together, build on our knowledge and openly share information and experiences. It is precisely this kind of collaboration that creates opportunities for one organisation's experience to become an inspiration and a valuable contribution to the work of many others.

We would like to thank Out of the Box International, our hosts from The KEY, and all partners for their hospitality, open discussions and inspiring exchange. We return from Limassol with new ideas, connections and renewed motivation to continue learning, creating and working together.