Empowering Local Youth at EYE: Inspiring Projects and Policy Dialogues

On the 9th and 10th of June, YouthProAktiv took part in the biennial European Youth Event (EYE) that brings together at the European Parliament in Strasbourg and online thousands of young people from all over the EU and beyond to shape and share their ideas on the future of Europe.

In the context of this impressive event, YouthProAktiv has organised a workshop “Local youth 4 environmental change”, aimed to empower young people to make a positive impact in their communities through innovative projects. Additionally, the workshop shed light on the various opportunities available through EU programs, such as the Erasmus+ funding program, which enable young people to contribute towards fostering positive environmental change.

This workshop conducted during the EYE 2023 represents the culmination of the broader project “Local youth 4 environmental change”, which involved the active participation of seven enthusiastic and sustainability-driven young individuals from Belgium, Slovenia, Turkey, and Greece. Together, they collaborated on the development of seven distinct project proposals. During the workshop, these proposals were presented to promote sustainable behaviors among local youths through international cooperation and training.

Over the course of these two days, the YouthProAktiv team had the privilege to engage with numerous European policymakers and EYE 2023 participants. Capturing the essence of these interactions, the team recorded valuable testimonials, which are available for viewing on their Instagram page. These testimonials encapsulate the main takeaways from the event, emphasizing the transformative experiences and insights gained by the participants.

Furthermore, they conducted their first InstaLife Talk featuring a conversation with MEP Sirpa Pietikäinen, focusing on the Green New Deal—an important policy initiative addressing environmental challenges. The participation of YouthProAktiv in the European Youth Event not only provided an opportunity to showcase our commitment to empowering young people for positive change but also facilitated meaningful dialogues with policymakers and experts, amplifying our mission and impact in the realm of sustainability and youth.