In October 2023, a special Erasmus+ training course brought together youth workers from across Europe and Arab countries to Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. The project, called "Climate and Displacement: Building Euro-Arab Bridges," focused on the growing connection between climate change and forced migration. It was a unique opportunity to learn, share, and build solutions with others from different regions who care about our environment and future. As a participant from Germany representing Copernicus Berlin, this international training opened many doors—not just in knowledge, but also in human connection and action.
Back in Germany, the topic of climate change is not new. Many young people are aware of the environmental crisis, especially after movements like Fridays for Future. Still, while Germany has strong systems for waste management, energy transition, and climate policy, the social side of climate change is not always visible. In Berlin, rising living costs, social inequality, and housing pressure are bigger topics. The link between these and climate-induced displacement is often overlooked. Most people don’t see that families are already being forced to move due to sea-level rise, floods, or droughts—even if these things happen far away. Before this project, the local conversations mostly stayed inside Europe, without truly including stories and experiences from other regions. This created a gap, especially in youth work and education, where global awareness is needed more than ever.
The training in Sharm El-Sheikh was a powerful experience that helped close this gap. Being in Egypt, close to the Red Sea and surrounded by a rich cultural mix, gave a perfect background for deep conversations. The participants explored the root causes of climate displacement through interactive workshops, storytelling sessions, and policy discussions. One of the most eye-opening parts of the training was hearing real stories from participants whose communities are already experiencing the effects of climate change. Some came from areas facing water shortages, while others spoke about desertification, food insecurity, and climate-linked migration.
Through group work and guided activities, the training created space for honest dialogue and practical learning. The method of storytelling was especially impactful. It helped everyone go beyond statistics and understand the human face of climate displacement. The stories brought emotion, empathy, and a strong motivation to act. Another highlight was learning how some local communities in Egypt and Arab countries are building resilience—like using traditional knowledge for water conservation or involving young people in green entrepreneurship. These best practices showed that even small community actions can lead to big change if supported and shared.
After returning to Berlin, the learning from this project did not stop. Inspired by the training, a small youth-led initiative was started within Copernicus Berlin. The idea was to organize a workshop series called “Climate Voices: Stories from Displacement” for young people in the city. The goal was to connect local youth with the topic through personal storytelling, intercultural exchange, and policy simulations. The training in Egypt had shown the power of youth voice, and the new goal was to create a space where those voices could grow. A collaboration was made with refugee organizations, and some sessions invited speakers who had direct experience with climate-induced migration. Others focused on climate policy, sustainable development goals, and local environmental action.
The impact of this project was clearly visible. Young participants who joined the workshop series said they now better understand how climate change affects people in different parts of the world. Some started their own mini-projects, like writing articles, making social media content, or creating art to raise awareness. The initiative also opened the door for more cooperation between Copernicus Berlin and other NGOs. It created a bridge between climate education and inclusion work—helping young people not only learn but also feel they belong to a global community of changemakers. Teachers and educators who attended the final event also showed interest in bringing the stories into schools. The focus on storytelling made the topic more personal, more human, and more inspiring.
Looking back, this Erasmus+ experience was not just a training—it was a turning point. It helped youth workers from Germany and many other countries connect deeply with a global challenge that needs urgent and united action. It showed how dialogue, empathy, and knowledge can build strong foundations for cooperation. It also proved that youth are not just the future—they are already creating change now. With the right tools, support, and connections, they can lead the way to a more inclusive and resilient world.
The journey from Sharm El-Sheikh to Berlin was not only about traveling across borders—it was about building bridges between people, ideas, and solutions. As climate change continues to affect millions, youth workers play a key role in education, advocacy, and empowerment. Their work helps others see the world differently, take action locally, and stand in solidarity with those most affected. The long-term vision is clear: to support a generation that is aware, active, and ready to face climate challenges with courage, care, and cooperation.