In October 2023, a meaningful Erasmus+ training course titled “Climate and Displacement: Building Euro-Arab Bridges” brought together youth workers from Europe and the Arab world to explore the deep connections between climate change and forced migration. Held in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, the project was designed to help participants understand the real human impact of environmental degradation and climate-related disasters. By connecting people from different countries, the training created a space where young professionals could reflect, share, and develop practical ways to support vulnerable communities. The event focused on storytelling, resilience building, intercultural exchange, and community-led solutions. For one youth worker representing Associazione Minerva from Italy, this journey was a powerful reminder of how important youth work can be when facing global challenges.
In Italy, environmental challenges are becoming more visible each year. The country faces hotter summers, stronger storms, and more frequent floods. Coastal areas are slowly changing, and agriculture is suffering in some regions due to dry seasons and unpredictable weather. While people in Italy often discuss these issues in terms of nature and economy, the human side of climate change is not always in the spotlight. Climate-induced migration is rarely talked about, even though it is starting to affect regions in Southern Europe. In some towns, there is tension around immigration, often linked to economic struggles and a lack of understanding. Before the training in Egypt, many youth workers in Italy knew about climate change, but few had deeply explored the emotional and social impacts it has on displaced people. There was also a lack of tools and experience in creating educational spaces to talk about these issues in a human and inclusive way.
The experience in Sharm El-Sheikh changed this perspective. Being surrounded by people who live in places already touched by extreme environmental changes made the topic very real. Participants from Arab countries shared personal stories about water shortages, rising sea levels, and how families were forced to leave their homes. These stories were emotional and sometimes difficult to hear. One of the most eye-opening moments came during a workshop focused on storytelling. Each participant was invited to speak about how climate change affects their country and communities. Listening to these testimonies, it became clear that displacement is not just about numbers or borders—it is about broken homes, lost cultures, and uncertain futures.
The training also offered space to learn about best practices and community projects that are already working in different countries. One example came from Egypt, where local initiatives use traditional knowledge to manage water in dry areas. Another workshop showed how youth-led campaigns in Jordan and Tunisia promote climate awareness through music and art. These stories and solutions helped participants understand that even in hard conditions, communities can find creative ways to survive and adapt. Through intercultural dialogue, the group began to find shared values and build trust. This helped everyone feel part of something bigger than their country or organization.
After coming back to Italy, the youth worker from Associazione Minerva felt inspired to turn the experience into action. A new initiative was created called “Climate Stories: Voices from the Edge.” The project invited young people from Italy, especially those with migrant backgrounds, to share their experiences related to climate and movement. The goal was to give space to personal stories while also educating local youth about the realities of climate-induced displacement. The idea came directly from the training’s emphasis on storytelling and human-centered approaches. The workshops were held in schools and community centers, using creative methods like photography, short films, and guided discussions. Participants were encouraged to think about how climate change might affect their own future and what kind of world they want to live in.
The impact of this initiative started to grow quickly. Teachers and local leaders noticed that young people were more interested and emotionally connected to the topic when it came from personal stories. Many students said it was the first time they had talked about climate change not just as a scientific issue, but as something that touches real lives. Some youth began small campaigns in their schools, writing letters to local politicians or organizing clean-up events. The project also helped reduce stereotypes around migrants, especially when personal stories showed how people had to move because of reasons beyond their control. It made the topic of inclusion and climate justice easier to understand and more personal. For the youth worker and the team at Associazione Minerva, this was a big step forward in combining climate education with human rights and diversity.
The collaboration with other youth organizations in the region also started to grow. Inspired by the training in Egypt, a regional youth forum was planned in southern Italy to bring together young people from different cultural backgrounds to talk about sustainability and identity. This space gave young leaders the chance to speak directly with local authorities and share their vision for a more just and prepared society. Some of their proposals focused on climate adaptation, youth-led initiatives, and educational reform. The experience showed that when young people feel listened to and supported, they can make a real difference in their communities.
Looking ahead, this journey proves that youth work is not just about giving information—it is about creating space for empathy, action, and growth. Projects like “Climate and Displacement: Building Euro-Arab Bridges” show the power of international cooperation, and how learning from each other can lead to real impact at home. For youth workers in Italy and beyond, the challenge is now to keep the conversation alive and to turn stories into action. Climate change will continue to affect lives in many ways, but through solidarity, education, and creativity, young people can help shape a future that is more inclusive, more prepared, and more compassionate.
This training has shown that climate and displacement are not only political or environmental issues—they are human stories. Youth have the energy, passion, and innovation to respond to these stories with solutions that bring people together instead of pushing them apart. The long-term vision is one where young people are not only reacting to crisis, but leading the way toward a world where no one is left behind. Associazione Minerva will continue supporting youth in this mission, building local and international bridges that help turn understanding into change.