In September 2023, youth workers from different countries came together in Yerevan, Armenia, for a nine-day Erasmus+ training course titled “Youth in Action: Fostering Peacebuilding, Conflict Resolution and Employability Skills.” The training was designed to provide participants with practical tools to support peacebuilding, promote employability, and encourage intercultural exchange. These three elements were not treated as separate, but as closely connected, and essential for addressing modern challenges faced by youth in Europe and neighboring regions. The training created an open space where participants could share, reflect, and learn from each other, building stronger networks and developing new approaches to support young people.
For the youth worker from Spain, joining the training was both exciting and necessary. Representing the NGO Asociación GO GREEN – Avanzando hacia el crecimiento verde y el desarrollo sostenible, the participant came with the mission of connecting peacebuilding with environmental action. In Spain, many communities are currently facing serious issues linked to climate change, including drought, wildfires, and social inequality in access to green spaces and sustainable resources. Before the training, there was also a growing sense of disconnection among young people who felt overwhelmed by global problems but unsure of how to contribute to solutions. In many rural and urban areas alike, youth had limited opportunities for civic participation or education in environmental responsibility, leading to feelings of helplessness or frustration. At the same time, political polarization and lack of trust in institutions created even more distance between youth and decision-makers.
Arriving in Yerevan offered a new perspective. The international atmosphere of the training helped the youth worker see how peacebuilding could go hand in hand with sustainability. One of the first lessons learned during the training was the importance of dialogue—not just between people of different backgrounds, but also between generations, sectors, and communities. A workshop on conflict resolution showed how local tensions often come from misunderstandings, fear, or lack of communication. Another session explored the role of youth workers in helping young people develop soft skills and career goals in times of uncertainty. These discussions opened the door to think about climate work not just as a technical challenge, but as a human one, deeply linked to values of peace, equity, and social justice.
The local community visits in Armenia were also very inspiring. One group used gardening projects to help young people build responsibility and teamwork skills. Another helped unemployed youth start eco-friendly businesses while also teaching conflict prevention methods. These real-life stories showed that youth empowerment can include both personal development and environmental responsibility. Through conversations with other participants, the youth worker from Spain started seeing how a peaceful, sustainable community is one where people feel connected to nature, to each other, and to their shared future.
Returning to Spain, the youth worker felt energized and determined to start a new initiative. Inspired by the training in Armenia, the project “Peaceful Planet” was developed by Asociación GO GREEN. This project focused on empowering youth through environmental action linked to peace education. The main idea was to create a learning space where young people could come together, learn about sustainability, practice nonviolent communication, and build leadership skills. The workshops included topics like climate justice, mindful consumption, and green career paths, mixed with creative activities like storytelling, role-play, and intercultural games. The training in Yerevan served as the base for both the structure and the values behind the project.
The first sessions of “Peaceful Planet” took place in a small community center on the outskirts of Valencia. Young people aged 16–25 were invited to join through schools, youth platforms, and local NGOs. At first, many participants were shy and unsure about what to expect. But after a few meetings, the atmosphere changed. The space became lively and warm, filled with open discussions and shared laughter. A key activity was the simulation of a global climate negotiation, where youth played the roles of different countries and had to agree on fair actions. This activity, inspired by the peacebuilding games in Armenia, showed how powerful dialogue could be in developing empathy and understanding.
As the project continued, its impact started growing. Youth who had never taken part in environmental actions before began organizing clean-up days, planting trees, or launching awareness campaigns on social media. Some started forming connections with local decision-makers, joining city forums and pushing for more inclusive green policies. One group of participants even created a proposal to install vertical gardens in a local public school, combining environmental care with education. The results were clear: when young people are given tools, trust, and support, they become active creators of solutions—not just for climate, but for society as a whole.
Teachers, parents, and community leaders also noticed the positive effects. Many shared that the youth involved were showing more self-confidence, better communication skills, and stronger commitment to teamwork. The municipality expressed interest in helping expand the “Peaceful Planet” initiative into other neighborhoods. The project began to serve as an example of how sustainable development and youth empowerment are deeply connected—and how environmental work can become a bridge for peace.
Looking back, the Erasmus+ training in Yerevan marked a turning point in the youth worker’s journey. It transformed personal ideas into collective actions. It helped create a new way of working with young people—one that is based on respect, care, and cooperation. And most importantly, it showed that real change can begin with a single conversation, a shared experience, or a fresh perspective. The training did not give all the answers, but it helped shape the right questions and offered a strong community of support.
As the future unfolds, projects like “Peaceful Planet” continue to grow and inspire others. Youth are not just the future—they are already the present. When they are empowered to take action, supported by caring mentors and strong networks, they can turn fear into courage and confusion into purpose. Sustainable development is not only about protecting the environment—it is about protecting people, communities, and the values of peace and justice. With every tree planted, every story told, and every voice heard, the road toward a greener and more peaceful world becomes more real.