In May 2023, youth workers from Germany participated in the Erasmus+ training course Gender-Driven Sustainability, hosted in Benalmádena, Spain. The project brought together youth professionals from various parts of Europe to explore the connections between gender equality, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion. The program emphasized the importance of creating gender-responsive climate action through advocacy, education, and community engagement. For the German participants representing Copernicus Berlin, the training became an inspiring example of how youth work can empower diverse voices to participate in civic life and contribute to meaningful environmental change.
In Germany, many young people live in a democratic system that offers them the legal right to participate in decision-making. However, in practice, civic engagement is not equal across all groups. In May 2023, youth participation was still limited by barriers such as language, social background, education, and gender norms. Many young women, migrant youth, and non-binary individuals felt excluded from civic discussions, especially on technical topics like environmental policy or urban planning. Climate activism in Germany was growing, but leadership roles were still often occupied by people with similar social or academic backgrounds. In some cases, youth from immigrant families felt their contributions were not taken seriously. At the same time, many young people who wanted to be part of environmental actions lacked access to inclusive programs or safe spaces to express themselves.
The Copernicus Berlin team recognized these challenges in their own work. They had been promoting youth engagement and education for years but realized that not all youth had the same opportunities to shape their communities. The training in Benalmádena gave them the chance to explore these questions in depth. Through interactive workshops and international exchanges, the participants learned about the impact of gender on environmental vulnerability and resilience. They discovered how women and girls around the world often experience greater risks during climate crises and are underrepresented in climate solutions. The training also provided real examples of local action—initiatives where young people designed campaigns, built networks, and advocated for inclusive policy changes.
The experience in Spain opened the participants’ eyes to the value of intersectional civic engagement. They saw how environmental and gender justice are connected, and how true sustainability requires that all community members—not just the loudest or most privileged—are included in decisions and actions. They also gained new tools for advocacy, community facilitation, and youth empowerment. Meeting people from other countries who faced similar barriers but found creative solutions gave the German team both confidence and inspiration.
After returning home, the Copernicus Berlin team began designing a new initiative called Civic Circles for Climate. This project focused on giving space and support to youth from underrepresented backgrounds—especially girls, LGBTQ+ youth, and young people from migrant families—to participate in civic discussions about sustainability and local development. The project began in Berlin, a diverse city with both opportunities and gaps in participation.
The first step was organizing a series of inclusive workshops where youth could explore the intersection between gender, identity, and climate. The format was simple but effective: small-group sessions held in youth centers, libraries, and schools, where participants used role-playing, art, and storytelling to explore how environmental challenges affect their daily lives. Facilitators created an open atmosphere where young people could reflect on their experiences and think about how to improve their communities.
One powerful moment came during a workshop in Kreuzberg, where a group of young people discussed access to green spaces. A young woman shared that her local park felt unsafe at night, and another participant explained how certain areas felt unwelcoming due to cultural bias. These stories led the group to design a community survey on public space use, which was later presented to the local council with suggestions for inclusive planning.
Civic Circles for Climate grew quickly, with more youth centers requesting sessions and young people forming their own discussion groups. The project also created a mentoring system, where youth with leadership potential could receive training and support to run local initiatives. Some organized clean-up days and awareness events; others led online campaigns about waste reduction and inclusive urban design. Each action was connected to civic engagement, with participants encouraged to share their feedback with local policymakers and to attend public meetings.
The initiative also worked with schools and educators to include civic literacy and sustainability topics in their programs. A collaboration with a local secondary school led to the creation of a student council working group focused on climate and gender inclusion. These young leaders organized events such as debate nights and poster exhibitions, making civic engagement a normal part of school life. Teachers noted a positive change in students’ confidence, especially among those who had not previously taken part in leadership roles.
One of the lasting results of the project was a digital platform where young people could share their ideas, stories, and actions related to civic and environmental participation. This platform allowed youth across Berlin—and later, other cities—to connect with one another, access resources, and feel part of a wider movement. The content included video interviews, mini-documentaries, and creative submissions, all produced by young people themselves. It helped change the narrative around who gets to speak on sustainability.
The impact of Civic Circles for Climate reached beyond youth participants. Several local councils invited youth representatives to speak at public forums, and NGOs working on climate or gender issues reached out to collaborate. Some parents also became involved, joining community events and encouraging their children to become more active. The project showed that when civic engagement is made more inclusive, everyone benefits—not only the youth, but also the communities that become more reflective of their diversity.
The training in Benalmádena was the foundation for this change. It gave the Copernicus Berlin team the courage to reimagine civic participation, not as something formal or exclusive, but as something that belongs to everyone. The knowledge, methods, and energy gained in Spain became the building blocks for a more participatory approach to local youth work in Germany.
Looking forward, Copernicus Berlin plans to expand the project to other regions and support similar initiatives in partnership with European peers. They believe that civic engagement is a right and a responsibility—and that it must evolve to reflect the realities of today’s youth. As climate challenges grow more serious, it is essential to ensure that every voice is heard, especially those who have been kept at the margins for too long.
Young people are not waiting. They are creating, organizing, and speaking. With the right support and open spaces, they can lead the way to a more inclusive, sustainable, and democratic Europe—starting with their own streets, schools, and neighborhoods.