How do we break down hierarchies in research? For the Resilient Roots Romania team, the answer lay in the “World Café” methodology, experienced during our conference in Tanzania. Project manager Smaranda Gutu described the atmosphere at the World Café in Dar es Salaam as one of “openness and shared reflection”.

By using small, rotating discussion groups, the team created a space where academics, NGO leaders and youth representatives could speak as equals. The guiding questions were intentionally open-ended and future-oriented, encouraging reflection rather than fixed positions. The facilitators said the informal, café-style setting fostered a sense of psychological safety, making contributions accessible and valued. 

Together, these elements created a space where participants felt comfortable sharing their thoughts, building on each other’s ideas, and identifying shared priorities.

The launch was attended by Ștefan-Andrei Trif, a member of the u’GOOD project advisory group (youth), with Prof. Sharlene Swartz (academic programme lead) providing a recorded message of support.

The event also helped strengthen stakeholder engagement. It reinforced the project’s commitment to youth involvement (not just as beneficiaries, but as active contributors). Ideas were generated for how the youth advisory board can be meaningfully integrated into u’GOOD’s project structure. 

The event helped consolidate a shared vision around relational wellbeing, which will guide research and implementation moving forward.