In October 2023, a group of passionate youth workers from Europe and the Arab world gathered in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, for a meaningful Erasmus+ training called “Climate and Displacement: Building Euro-Arab Bridges.” This program was created to explore the growing connection between climate change and population movement. Through interactive workshops, storytelling, and policy analysis, the training helped participants understand how environmental problems are pushing people to leave their homes. It also created a strong platform for intercultural cooperation, empathy, and community-based action between European and Arab youth.
In Georgia, the topic of climate-induced displacement is becoming more visible. Over the past few years, the country has experienced heavier rains, floods, and landslides that have destroyed houses, roads, and even entire villages. The mountainous regions are especially vulnerable, with some families having no choice but to relocate. In Tbilisi and other urban areas, air pollution and poor waste management continue to affect people’s quality of life. At the same time, rural areas struggle with droughts and water shortages that make farming very difficult. Many young people in Georgia feel the effects of these changes but don’t always understand the deeper reasons behind them or how to respond. Before the training in Egypt, discussions around climate change in local communities were mostly limited to academic or political spaces, and there were very few youth-led solutions.
The training in Sharm El-Sheikh offered a new experience. It was not only a place to learn about climate and migration but also a space for human connection. Participants from both Arab and European backgrounds shared personal stories of how their lives or their families had been affected by climate change. These stories were powerful. They showed that climate displacement is not just a technical issue but a deeply human one. One of the most eye-opening sessions involved visiting a local community where environmental education programs were helping young people understand and fight the effects of climate change in their neighborhood. Through group discussions and role-playing activities, participants explored the links between sea-level rise, desertification, food insecurity, and forced migration. The training also included policy analysis workshops, where youth workers learned how to read and respond to national and international climate policies. Many had never seen how laws and decisions could directly affect people’s lives, especially when it comes to migration and displacement.
The experience also gave space for creativity and inspiration. One method used during the training was storytelling for empowerment. Participants were encouraged to share stories of resilience and community response to crisis. This helped to build empathy and trust between people from different countries and cultures. Even with language barriers, young people found common ground. The focus on Euro-Arab dialogue made it possible to see similarities in challenges, but also to appreciate the unique strategies that each region brings to climate response. Many participants returned home with new knowledge and tools to take action in their communities.
After returning to Georgia, the participant from Civil Forum developed a small-scale youth initiative focused on climate education and migration awareness. The project included storytelling sessions in local schools where students were invited to learn about environmental change through personal stories and interactive exercises. A series of short videos was also produced to highlight real cases of climate displacement from Georgian villages. These materials helped explain complicated topics in a simple and emotional way, making it easier for young people to understand the urgency of the issue. The sessions ended with open discussions where students shared their thoughts and suggested local solutions. Some even expressed interest in creating their own environmental campaigns or joining climate-related NGOs.
The impact of this initiative has grown over time. Teachers reported that students became more engaged in environmental topics after the storytelling sessions. Some schools invited the Civil Forum team to repeat the program in other classes. Youth who had never thought about migration or climate justice before started asking questions and joining conversations. A few even began their own research into local environmental problems and presented them in class. The initiative also caught the attention of a local policy advisor, who attended one of the sessions and later expressed interest in bringing the youth voice into upcoming discussions about rural development and climate policy.
This example shows that even a short international training can create long-lasting results. It helped transform a complex global issue into a relatable local conversation. By focusing on personal stories, human connection, and youth involvement, the Erasmus+ training turned knowledge into action. The young Georgian participant learned how to use storytelling, policy analysis, and intercultural dialogue to make climate displacement an important topic in their own community.
Youth have the power to change the world, but they need the right tools and spaces to grow. Projects like “Climate and Displacement: Building Euro-Arab Bridges” give young people more than just facts—they give them confidence, purpose, and a network of support. Looking forward, youth workers from Georgia and many other countries will continue building bridges between continents, communities, and generations. They will play a key role in shaping a future where climate justice is not just a dream, but a shared reality built on solidarity, inclusion, and hope.