In February 2023, a youth worker from Hungary representing the NGO Creative Youth Academy Hungary had the opportunity to join the Erasmus+ project “Target ZERO: Creating Responsible Enterprise” in Benalmádena, Spain. The project was created in response to global environmental challenges and aimed to encourage and support youth workers in promoting green entrepreneurship and responsible business models. Through international cooperation, practical learning, and inspiring activities, the training provided useful tools and experiences to build a new generation of environmentally conscious changemakers. It brought together participants from different countries, all with the shared motivation to make their communities more sustainable through small, but meaningful actions.
Hungary, like many other countries in Europe, has faced its share of environmental difficulties. In recent years, there has been an increasing concern about pollution, especially in urban areas. Single-use plastic, waste management issues, and the slow shift to renewable energy have continued to be major problems. Although the youth in Hungary are aware of environmental problems through school or social media, many feel disconnected from the solutions. They do not always see how they can take part in protecting nature or building greener businesses. Small towns and rural areas in particular often lack access to information, opportunities, or financial support that would allow young people to create change. Before attending the training in Spain, the situation in Hungary felt a bit stuck. Youth workers were looking for new methods and motivation to bring eco-conscious ideas closer to young people.
The project in Benalmádena was a fresh wave of energy and perspective. For the youth worker from Creative Youth Academy Hungary, the training was a unique experience filled with learning, inspiration, and connection. During the program, participants explored the fundamentals of green entrepreneurship, including how to create eco-friendly products and services, how to cooperate with stakeholders, and how to reduce the environmental footprint of everyday actions. The workshops were interactive and fun, which made the complex topics easier to understand. Real-life examples of sustainable businesses were shared, showing how simple ideas can grow into powerful projects with a lasting impact. One of the most eye-opening moments was visiting a local eco-center that focused on teaching young people how to reuse materials and design creative solutions for daily needs. This small initiative showed how much is possible even with limited resources, as long as there is passion and collaboration.
Another important part of the training was the focus on stakeholder collaboration. Participants learned how to map their communities and identify key people who could support green projects, such as local business owners, schools, municipalities, or NGOs. Through group activities and brainstorming sessions, they developed concrete ideas for responsible enterprises that could work in their local realities. The training did not only give knowledge—it also gave confidence. Every youth worker left the training with a clear sense of purpose and a personal plan to take action once back home.
Motivated by the experience in Spain, the youth worker from Hungary created a new initiative called “Green Youth Entrepreneurs.” The idea was to offer young people, especially from smaller towns, the chance to learn about sustainability and business in a simple, creative, and supportive way. The initiative started as a series of weekend workshops where participants aged 15 to 22 could explore topics like eco-design, green innovation, and social impact. The workshops included games, simulations, and hands-on challenges inspired by what was done in Benalmádena. Local experts were invited to share their stories, including a beekeeper who runs an organic honey business, and a young woman who makes clothing from recycled fabrics. These real examples helped the youth to believe that green business is possible even in their small town.
The results were very positive. The participants of “Green Youth Entrepreneurs” started thinking differently about their role in their community. Many came up with creative ideas such as refill stations for household cleaning products, workshops for upcycled crafts, or eco-cafés that use only local products. A few teams even applied for small local grants to test their business models. The program also built stronger connections between young people and local authorities, who expressed interest in supporting future editions. Teachers from nearby schools asked to bring the workshops into the classroom. The local media published a short article about the project, helping it gain attention and support. The impact went beyond the expected outcomes. It created a network of motivated youth who support each other, share ideas, and believe that sustainability can become a lifestyle.
This success story shows how one international training, like “Target ZERO,” can light a spark that grows into something bigger at home. For the youth worker from Creative Youth Academy Hungary, the experience in Spain was not just a professional training. It was a moment of transformation. It opened new doors for learning, for creating change, and for believing in the power of youth to take care of the planet. It also reminded everyone involved that environmental change does not start with big speeches, but with small actions, new habits, and the courage to do things differently.
The long-term vision is to expand the “Green Youth Entrepreneurs” project to more regions in Hungary and to continue offering youth spaces where they can learn, try, and grow. With the support of European initiatives like Erasmus+, and with the commitment of NGOs like Creative Youth Academy Hungary, there is a strong possibility for positive, green change. Youth are ready. They care about their future. They only need the tools, trust, and teamwork to move forward. With these, a greener and fairer tomorrow is not only possible—it is already being built.