In October 2024, youth workers and educators from across Europe and the Middle East came together in Hurghada, Egypt, for the Erasmus+ training course Empowering Youth Work in Entrepreneurship and Environmental Sustainability. The program aimed to strengthen youth workers’ ability to guide young people in building entrepreneurial projects that also support environmental protection and social responsibility. Among the participants was a youth worker from Leaders Foundation for Administrative Sciences and Development, a prominent Egyptian NGO working to promote leadership, innovation, and community development. For the Egyptian participant, the project became a life-changing experience that connected knowledge, practice, and hope for a greener and more sustainable future.
The training, held under the Erasmus+ program, emphasized how entrepreneurship can drive positive change in society. It encouraged youth workers to see business not only as a path to profit but also as a way to create long-term benefits for the environment and communities. Through practical workshops, interactive learning, and international cooperation, participants explored ways to help young people become more confident, creative, and socially aware. The program also highlighted the role of sustainability in entrepreneurship—showing that success in the modern world depends on responsibility toward both people and the planet.
The Local Context in Egypt
In Egypt, the connection between entrepreneurship and environmental sustainability is becoming increasingly important. Over the past decade, the country has made significant progress in promoting innovation and youth employment. However, challenges such as environmental degradation, waste management, and unemployment among young people remain pressing. Many young Egyptians have bright ideas but lack the tools, resources, or mentorship to turn them into sustainable ventures.
Before the training in Hurghada, Leaders Foundation for Administrative Sciences and Development had been working with local youth on leadership and business education programs. Yet, many participants expressed concern about the growing effects of pollution, overconsumption, and limited awareness about environmental protection. The organization saw that while young people were interested in entrepreneurship, few were familiar with sustainable business models or how to integrate eco-friendly practices into their ideas.
At that time, Egypt was also preparing to host new national initiatives promoting green growth and innovation. The Erasmus+ project arrived at the perfect moment, providing youth workers with new perspectives on how to connect entrepreneurship with sustainability and how to motivate young people to become both innovators and guardians of the environment.
The Training Experience in Hurghada
The training course in Hurghada created an inspiring environment where learning, culture, and collaboration came together. Participants from different countries shared their experiences, challenges, and solutions. From the very first day, it became clear that although their contexts were different, their goals were the same—to empower young people to take responsibility for their communities and the planet.
The program offered a mix of theoretical knowledge and practical learning. Sessions explored topics such as financial literacy, social entrepreneurship, and environmental responsibility. Trainers introduced participants to innovative tools that could help young people create businesses focused on sustainability. Through group work and discussions, participants learned how to design eco-friendly projects, reduce waste, and use local resources effectively.
One of the most eye-opening experiences for the participant from Leaders Foundation was a field visit to a local environmental initiative in Hurghada. The project engaged young volunteers in recycling and waste management activities, turning plastic waste into useful community materials. This visit showed how local entrepreneurship could directly benefit both society and nature. It also demonstrated that sustainability does not require large investments—only creativity, awareness, and teamwork.
Equally valuable was the exchange between participants from different cultural backgrounds. Through informal conversations and cultural evenings, everyone shared their traditions, values, and ideas for a more sustainable future. The Egyptian participant reflected that the diversity of the group made learning even more meaningful, as it connected environmental thinking with social and cultural understanding.
Post-Project Action in Egypt
After returning home, the participant from Leaders Foundation for Administrative Sciences and Development felt motivated to apply the lessons learned during the training. Inspired by the discussions in Hurghada, the organization launched a local initiative called EcoLeaders Egypt. The project aimed to combine environmental education with entrepreneurship by training young people to develop small, sustainable business ideas.
The first workshops were organized in Cairo and Alexandria, where participants learned about topics such as green business models, creative recycling, and digital marketing for eco-friendly products. The sessions followed non-formal education methods learned during the Erasmus+ course, encouraging active participation and teamwork. Young people were divided into groups and tasked with creating business proposals that addressed local environmental problems—such as waste management or sustainable agriculture.
To make the project more inclusive, Leaders Foundation also collaborated with local universities and community centers. These partnerships helped reach youth from different backgrounds, including students, young professionals, and unemployed graduates. Each session focused not only on business development but also on raising awareness about the importance of protecting Egypt’s natural resources.
The initiative quickly became a platform for innovation and collaboration. Participants began sharing their ideas with local entrepreneurs and NGOs, forming small teams to test their business plans. Some developed prototypes of products made from recycled materials, while others focused on services promoting eco-friendly tourism in coastal areas. The energy and creativity that emerged proved that young people were ready to lead change when given the right tools and support.
The Impact on Youth and Communities
Within a few months, EcoLeaders Egypt started showing positive results. Dozens of young participants gained new confidence in their abilities to design and implement sustainable projects. Some of them even turned their workshop ideas into real start-ups, supported by local investors and social innovation programs. Their initiatives included producing reusable bags, developing solar-powered devices, and organizing awareness campaigns about plastic reduction.
The project also created stronger connections between youth organizations, educational institutions, and local authorities. It helped communities understand that sustainability is not just an environmental concern but a social and economic one. By linking entrepreneurship with environmental goals, Leaders Foundation succeeded in creating opportunities that benefited both people and the planet.
The impact was also visible at a personal level. Many young people shared that their perspective on business had changed—they began to see entrepreneurship not only as a way to earn income but also as a way to make a difference. Teachers, parents, and local leaders praised the initiative for encouraging responsibility, creativity, and leadership among the younger generation.
Reflection and Future Vision
Looking back, the Empowering Youth Work in Entrepreneurship and Environmental Sustainability training in Hurghada was more than just a professional exchange—it was a movement toward a new mindset. It reminded participants that sustainable entrepreneurship starts with awareness and grows through collaboration. For Leaders Foundation for Administrative Sciences and Development, the project became a cornerstone for future activities, proving that international cooperation can bring real local transformation.
The organization now plans to expand EcoLeaders Egypt into a long-term national program that connects youth from different regions. The vision is to build a network of young innovators who will develop green solutions for their communities and contribute to Egypt’s sustainable development goals.
The experience in Hurghada showed that empowering youth means trusting their ideas and giving them the opportunity to act. When guided with the right knowledge and values, young people can become the driving force behind a more balanced and responsible world. The journey from the Red Sea coast to Egyptian cities continues—not only as a project but as a lasting commitment to shaping a future where entrepreneurship and environmental care grow together.