Participation of Lille Metropole in the Eurocities Social Innovation Lab

From 5 to 7 November 2025, Lille Metropole took part in the 5th edition of the Eurocities Social Innovation Lab, hosted by the City of Ljubljana. Against a backdrop of growing urban inequalities, youth and mental health challenges, socio-economic disparities, and violence against children, cities are at the forefront of ensuring that every child could thrive. This year’s Lab served as a space for cities to co-create innovative, actionable responses that tackle the pressing challenges faced by children and youth across Europe.

What is the Social Innovation Lab?

The Social Innovation Lab is one of Eurocities’ flagship initiatives. It provides a structured, collaborative space where cities can jointly design innovative and actionable responses to complex social challenges. 

This year’s edition focused on three major policy areas that are central to the urban agenda for children and young people:

1. Mitigating child poverty, implementing the "EU Child Guarantee" at local level 

2. Combating violence against children and strengthening integrated child protection systems 

3. Promoting physical health and wellbeing among children and youth

Highlights of the programme

• Policy updates: Cities were briefed on the latest EU developments, including the Anti-Poverty Strategy and the European Pillar of Social Rights.
• Opening keynote: The address stressed the need to overcome fragmented interventions and support children experiencing multiple disadvantages.
• Learning Labs: Interactive sessions equipped city representatives with practical tools and governance methods.
• Co-creation workshops: Cities collaboratively designed tailored, actionable solutions to local challenges, including bullying prevention.
• Field visits: Participants visited the "Child and Adolescent Mental Health Centre" and the "LogOut Centre for Digital Well-being". These visits showcased local innovations in supporting children facing psychological distress and problematic digital use.
• Expert panel: The closing plenary examined strategies to address shortages in childcare professionals and highlighted innovative approaches.

Strengthening Lille Metropole’s visibility within the Eurocities network

Throughout the Lab, Mr Paul Mandino, Head of Youth and Civic Life at Lille Metropole, actively represented the metropolis, sharing insights on local initiatives in youth engagement and child protection. He highlighted the anti-bullying programme, which trains students as peer mentors, and presented the Metropolitan Youth Observatory, providing a shared understanding of youth for all local actors.

The field visits also inspired new initiatives for Lille Metropole and provided the opportunity to showcase the ongoing “Promeneurs du Net” programme of the Northern Department. Thus, the Lab provided opportunities for Lille Metropole to exchange knowledge with other European cities and explore potential collaborations on youth-focused initiatives.