In February 2026, the Children’s Council will meet again at the European Youth Education Centre Magdeburg. Children and young people aged 8 to 14 are warmly invited to actively participate in the planning and further development of the children’s city Ottopia 2026.

The next meeting will take place on Friday, 13 February, and Saturday, 14 February 2026 and includes an overnight stay (start: Friday, 3 p.m. – end: Saturday, 3 p.m.). The programme, meals and accommodation are free of charge.

Programme content

The focus of the weekend is on preparing the upcoming children’s city. Together with the educational team, participants will plan the next steps and discuss which goals should be achieved by the summer.

  • Planning upcoming Children’s Council meetings with a view to Ottopia 2026
  • Creative mini workshop on designing a children’s city poster
  • Playful introduction to democracy and elections, including a mock vote
  • Exploring social media and TikTok: how are videos created, what kind of platform is it and which questions are important to consider?
  • Energisers, discussion rounds and space for participants’ own ideas and wishes

What is the Children’s Council?

The Children’s Council is a group of children aged 8 to 14 who support the children’s city organising team with their ideas and perspectives. Its aim is to consistently develop the children’s city as a project by children for children. The meetings take place regularly and are facilitated by educational staff and volunteers.

In the past, the Children’s Council has played a key role in shaping the following aspects of the children’s city:

  • Development of the children’s city currency
  • Choosing the name “Ottopia” and designing the mascots
  • Planning the trades and professions
  • Designing election processes and participation formats

Registration and further information

All children aged 8 to 14 can take part in the Children’s Council – regardless of whether they already have experience or would simply like to get a first impression. Regular participation is desirable, but not a requirement.

Registration takes place online via the children’s city website. There you will also find further information about the Children’s Council and the children’s city Ottopia:
www.kinderstadt.md