In September 2023, a group of passionate young people and youth workers gathered in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, to take part in an international Erasmus+ project called “Climate and Displacement: Building Euro-Arab Bridges.” This training course focused on one of the world’s most urgent problems—the connection between climate change and forced migration. The project brought together participants from different countries across Europe and the Arab world. Through storytelling, group discussions, community visits, and policy workshops, the participants explored the many ways that climate change is forcing people to leave their homes. The goal of the training was to help youth workers understand this problem better and give them the skills to take action when they returned to their countries.
In Spain, the effects of climate change are already visible. In recent years, many regions have suffered from long heatwaves, intense droughts, and large wildfires. Farmers in the countryside are struggling to grow crops without enough water. In cities, high temperatures make everyday life harder, especially for older people and children. Coastal areas have seen flooding and damage to houses and roads due to strong storms and rising sea levels. These environmental problems are causing changes in where people live and how they live. Some families are moving from the countryside to cities, while others are looking for new ways to survive. But not many people in Spain talk about climate change as a reason for displacement. Before the training, most discussions in schools or youth spaces focused on recycling and energy saving. There was not much knowledge about the deep connection between climate and migration.
The experience in Egypt was emotional, eye-opening, and life-changing. The youth worker from Asociacíon PROJUVEN arrived with questions and left with new motivation. In Sharm El-Sheikh, participants shared stories from their home countries about how environmental disasters had pushed families to leave everything behind. These personal stories were shared in a safe space using storytelling workshops that focused on human feelings and empathy. Listening to others helped participants understand that climate displacement is not only a number in a report—it is a real and painful human experience.
The training also included visits to local Egyptian communities where young people were creating solutions to fight environmental damage. These community actions were small but full of impact. They used creative tools like art and theatre to educate people about climate change and its risks. The group also joined policy training sessions, learning how governments write and apply climate and migration policies. This was a new topic for many, including the youth worker from Spain. Understanding how policies work gave participants more confidence to join discussions and speak up in their own countries. Another strong part of the project was the intercultural exchange. Sharing meals, working in groups, and simply talking during breaks helped create new friendships between participants from different backgrounds. It showed that cooperation is not only possible—it is necessary.
After returning to Spain, the youth worker from Asociacíon PROJUVEN decided to start a new project called “Youth Voices for Climate Justice.” The idea came directly from the training in Egypt. This project focused on storytelling, just like in Sharm El-Sheikh, but adapted to the local Spanish context. The team collected stories from young people living in areas affected by climate problems—like those who had to move because their family farms were not producing enough food anymore. These stories were recorded and shared during school visits, local festivals, and online campaigns.
The project also created workshops where students could talk about how climate change was affecting their own lives. They wrote short texts, drew posters, and even created videos to show their views. These creative methods helped the students connect with the topic in a deeper way. It was no longer just about science or news. It became personal. The workshops also invited local leaders to listen and take part. This gave young people a chance to speak directly to decision-makers and share their concerns. The youth worker used what they learned in the policy analysis workshop in Egypt to help the students ask good questions and express their ideas clearly.
The impact of the project started small but grew quickly. Many teachers asked to repeat the workshops in other schools. Parents shared the stories on social media. Local news gave attention to the campaign, and some local politicians invited the youth group to attend public discussions about climate planning in their town. The most important result was that young people began to believe that their voice mattered. They saw that their personal stories could inspire action. They also started to understand that the problem of climate displacement is global, but solutions can begin locally.
This experience showed how a training that lasted just a few days can have long-term results. The Erasmus+ project did not only give information—it gave inspiration, courage, and real tools. The youth worker from Spain returned with more than knowledge. They returned with a mission. The connections built in Egypt are still alive, with participants from different countries continuing to support each other online and in follow-up activities.
In the future, more and more young people will face the challenges of a changing climate. But they will also carry the solutions. With the right support, training, and international friendships, they can become leaders in their communities. The project “Climate and Displacement: Building Euro-Arab Bridges” is a great example of how youth can take part in big conversations and make real change. From personal stories to policy proposals, from Spain to Egypt and beyond, youth voices are rising. They are ready to build a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world—one action, one story, and one bridge at a time.