Celebrating International Youth Day: Empowering young adults for a sustainable future
Today is International Youth Day, a special day that celebrates the important role young people play in driving societal change and development. This year, our members have been busy with projects and initiatives focused on empowering young adults through innovative projects that emphasise sustainability, climate action, and social inclusion.
The Spark project: Climate action through youth engagement
The Spark project stands out as a beacon of youth engagement in climate action. It aimed to elevate awareness about the multifaceted impacts of climate change and inspire young citizens to become proactive climate activists. This project saw ZERO, our Portuguese member, join forces with 19 other organisations from 12 EU Member States and the UK.
Throughout its duration, the Spark project reached over 25,000 young people in Portugal alone, with its influence spreading to more than 2 million across Europe. Key materials (in Portuguese) developed during the project, including an engaging project page, an informative quiz, and a comprehensive activism guide, continue to serve as valuable resources for young climate enthusiasts. These tools not only educate but also empower the youth to take meaningful action against climate change.
Zero Waste Köln: Interactive learning for sustainability
Zero Waste Köln has innovatively addressed sustainability education through its interactive Zero Waste exhibit designed for schools. Tailored for students from Grade 5 onwards, this modular exhibit functions like an exercise course, guiding students through various sustainability challenges such as fast fashion, climate change, oceanic plastic pollution, food waste, and industrial meat production.
The exhibit, designed by Judith Gauß as part of her master’s thesis in exhibition design, offers a hands-on learning experience. Students engage in activities like organising a clothing swap and participating in interactive quizzes, which stimulate discussions and deepen their understanding of sustainability issues. The exhibit also includes QR codes that link to additional resources, local initiatives, and zero waste shops, enhancing the learning experience. Schools in Cologne can rent this exhibit free of charge, making it an accessible educational tool for fostering environmental consciousness.
Circular Economy Portugal: Empowering through education
This July, Circular Economy Portugal took the lead in fostering a sustainable mindset among youth by training 20 young individuals in circular economy and social inclusion skills. This training, held in Santiago de Compostela, was part of the Circular Way Erasmus+ project, which collaborates with various international partners. The event featured dynamic sessions and hands-on activities, equipping participants with practical knowledge and skills to champion circular economy principles in their communities.
As we celebrate International Youth Day, it’s inspiring to see how initiatives are actively involving young people in crucial discussions and actions surrounding sustainability and climate change. These projects not only educate but also empower the youth to become leaders in creating a more sustainable and inclusive future. Through continued support and engagement, we can ensure that young people are well-equipped to tackle the global challenges ahead, driving positive change in their communities and beyond.
