In October 2023, a group of youth workers and young leaders from Europe and the Arab world gathered in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, for a unique Erasmus+ training called “Climate and Displacement: Building Euro-Arab Bridges.” This project was more than just a training—it was a chance to connect across cultures and to learn about one of the biggest global problems today: climate-induced displacement. The project helped participants understand how climate change is forcing people to leave their homes, and how young people can take action in their communities to respond to this crisis.
For youth workers in Bulgaria, the topic of climate change is already important. In recent years, the country has seen more extreme weather, especially in rural areas. Heavy rains have caused floods in mountain villages, and longer periods without rain have damaged crops in the countryside. Many small communities feel left behind and unprepared for these changes. In the months before the training, there were also rising conversations about young people leaving Bulgaria—not only for jobs but also because of fear about future stability and opportunities. These social and environmental problems together create a feeling of uncertainty, especially for youth. In this context, the connection between climate change and forced migration was not always clear, and that is why the training in Egypt became such a powerful learning moment.
The experience in Sharm El-Sheikh opened many eyes. The location itself—close to the sea and in a region facing water stress and migration challenges—brought the topic to life. The participants from Arab countries shared personal stories of how climate change affects their homes. Some spoke about rising sea levels near their cities, while others explained how rising temperatures and droughts are changing life in rural areas. These stories made the issue real and emotional. One of the most powerful sessions was about storytelling. Instead of reading reports or data, participants listened to real experiences and shared their own. This method helped build empathy and made the connection between climate and people much stronger.
Another important part of the training was the focus on solutions. The participants learned how communities can become more resilient by building local projects, using traditional knowledge, and working together. Youth workers discussed how to talk about climate displacement in schools, youth centers, and NGOs. The workshops helped everyone understand policies and how to talk to decision-makers about sustainable changes. These discussions created a space where European and Arab youth workers could share ideas, compare situations, and support each other in finding solutions that work locally but are connected globally.
After returning to Bulgaria, the energy from the training did not stop. Inspired by the sessions and the people met in Egypt, the youth worker representing International Connection started a new local initiative called “Stories from a Changing World.” This project invited young people from small towns and villages in Bulgaria to collect and share stories about how climate change affects their local area. Some stories came from farmers who had seen their harvests fail because of drought. Others came from teenagers who had to move with their families after floods damaged their homes. The goal was to make these stories visible, to help people understand that climate change is not just about the environment—it is about people, lives, and homes.
The project used creative methods such as audio recordings, photography, and public exhibitions in community centers. These tools made it easier for young people to express their experiences. The idea came directly from the training in Sharm El-Sheikh, where storytelling was a strong part of learning. The Bulgarian version added a local touch and made sure the voices of youth were heard in their own communities.
The impact of the initiative was bigger than expected. Local youth became more active in their towns. Teachers used the stories in school lessons to talk about climate change in a way that felt closer to the students. Some of the stories were shared with local newspapers, and a small group of young people even met with their mayor to speak about better support after climate-related disasters. The project showed that when people feel heard, they also feel empowered to act. For many young people, it was the first time they felt that their experience mattered, and that they could be part of change.
The cooperation with International Connection also helped grow the network of partners who care about climate and youth empowerment. It led to new ideas for future projects, including plans for training teachers on how to include climate displacement in their school programs. These small but clear results prove that international projects like the one in Egypt do not end at the border—they live on in the local actions they inspire.
This experience was a strong reminder that youth workers play a key role in connecting global challenges to local realities. They help translate big words like “displacement” and “resilience” into something that communities can understand and respond to. More than that, they offer young people hope and tools to act, not just worry.
Looking to the future, the potential of young people in Bulgaria and around the world is full of promise. With the right support, they can build communities that are strong, inclusive, and ready to face the challenges of a changing world. Climate change will continue to test our societies, but it can also become a chance to work together, across borders and cultures. The long-term vision is one where youth are not only seen as victims of crisis but as leaders of solutions. The journey to Sharm El-Sheikh may be over, but the journey of building a better, fairer, and more sustainable future is just beginning.