Y4JT's Local Events
Denmark - Climate Justice and Equity
The Open Lab was held at the Danish Youth Democracy Festival in Valbyparken, South of Copenhagen. Over two days, thousands of youths from 17-25 passed through Nyt Europa’s booth where we held informed participants about the Youth for Just Transition project. On the first day, Christian Sorige facilitated with sereval Nyt Europa staff members and volunteers to introduce participants to the concept of Just Transition. Drawing on Sorige’s background and the Right’s Academy and supported by environmental specialist Rukiatu Sheriff, the sessions focused on climate justice and equity, highlighting how climate impacts are distributed unequally and why both environmental and social injustices must be addressed together.
Due to success and dynamic of the concept, we held the workshop three times in smaller groups to match participants’ schedules. The event combined presentations with dialogue and small group discussions. The youth participants emphasized that governments bear the main responsibility for setting clear frameworks, and especially wealthier countries, corporations and individuals must contribute more. The youth also had a large trust in nuclear power, since it was often mentioned as part of the solution. However, opinions varied. Participants also reflected on intergenerational responsibility and consumer behavior, noting that youth face strong pressure to “save the world” without guidance from adults.
Evaluations from the day showed that although many participants were unfamiliar with the term Just Transition, they already had an intuitive understanding of fairness in climate action.
The event succeeded in raising awareness of EU policies and strengthened the sense that systemic change, supported by governments, is essential. Young people left feeling both heard and motivated to act.
Spain - Policy Advocacy and Youth Activism
On 14 December, FEMUR hosted at the Parquesol Civic Centre in Valladolid, bringing together young people to reflect on Just Transition, European policies and youth activism. The event was coordinated by six staff members and two volunteers, with additional contributions from guest speakers Carlos Valiente (Autonomous University of Madrid) and motivational coach María Alonso. The programme began with an introduction to the project and to the concept of Just Transition. Although participants were initially reserved, discussions gradually encouraged more questions and interest. The second block, focused on EU best practices, revealed that most young people had little knowledge of existing policies. They expressed scepticism about the European Green Deal, considering its targets too distant, and emphasised the importance of social justice and economic equality. After a short break, the final block addressed youth activism. Participants highlighted the challenges of making their voices heard and noted that activism is sometimes negatively perceived in their communities. Nevertheless, many identified themselves as active in climate, gender equality and political causes. The event concluded with group work, where participants shared opinions and completed questionnaires. While most valued the experience as informative, some felt it was too long and information-heavy. Overall, the Valladolid Open Lab created an engaging space for young people to learn, debate and voice their perspectives on a fair transition and their role in shaping future policies.
Greece - Green Jobs and Skills in the Emerging Green Economy
Regarding the implementation, a total of seven (7) local labs were implemented by Organization Earth which were attended by 217 young people, aiming to inform and raise awareness about Just Transition, Green Jobs, and Skills in the emerging green economy as part of the Youth for a Just Transition program. A total of 123 young women and 93 young men participated, including 51 individuals from vulnerable social groups. All the participants were from 18 to 30 years old. The workshops were conducted in person in Athens. The young participants engaged with the concept of Just Transition and were informed about the European Union's policies supporting it. Additionally, they gained insights into best practices implemented across the EU for environmental protection, tackling climate change, and achieving a Just Transition in its regions. They also focused on Green Jobs and Skills in the emerging green economy while discussing their role in shaping the future of their local areas. Representatives from other organizations working on environmental issues, such as Incommon, KEAN, Urbana, and Ecotivity, also participated in the activities.
Main Outcomes:
• Knowledge and Skills Development: Participants acquired knowledge and skills related to career opportunities in the green economy.
• Critical Thinking and Dialogue: Through discussions and activities, they developed critical thinking and exchanged views on the challenges and solutions associated with Just Transition.
• Event Closure: The event concluded with an open discussion and an evaluation questionnaire, where participants shared their experiences and the knowledge they gained.
Lithuania - Community Engagement and Participatory Decision-Making
29 November 2024 Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) in Santaka Valley hosted an open lab of the Youth for a Just Transition (Y4JT) project to bring together young people who want to contribute to climate change mitigation. The Open Lab aimed to introduce young people to the concept of Just Transition and showcase the European Union's best practices in environmental protection, climate change mitigation, Just Transition and community involvement in decision-making. The Open Lab aimed to engage young people in Just Transition and climate change discussions. The event highlighted successful initiatives demonstrating how communities can actively participate in decision-making to address sustainability challenges. In addition to learning about concrete initiatives and ideas on how to make a personal and community contribution to mitigating climate change, participants also improved their problem-solving skills. Creative tasks encouraged young people to actively participate in community development processes, while insights from experts helped them understand how community participation drives environmental change.
Romania - Sustainable Lifestyles and Consumer Choices
The local lab organized in Targu Jiu, Romania, part of the "Youth for a Just Transition" (Y4JT) project, has been a vibrant event where young people explored and embraced sustainable living. This lab was designed to inspire and educate, fostering a community of environmentally conscious individuals.
"Sustainable Lifestyles and Consumer Choices," took place in Targu Jiu, Romania, on December 16, 2024. This event brought together 205 enthusiastic participants who engaged in meaningful discussions and activities. Key sessions included exploring the concept of just transition, learning from EU best practices, and sharing practical tips for sustainable living. The event concluded with an open dialogue, encouraging participants to commit to sustainable lifestyle changes.The primary goal of our local lab was to promote a just transition to a green economy. We aimed to equip young participants with the knowledge and skills needed to lead sustainable lifestyles, ensuring social, economic, and ecological transformation.
At our lab, participants engaged in a variety of activities. Discussions allowed them to investigate the challenges and opportunities of a just transition, focusing on environmental and labor market transformations. Workshops provided hands-on experiences, teaching sustainable practices such as energy conservation, adopting plant-based diets, and supporting eco-friendly brands. Expert presentations offered insights on renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure, and successful initiatives from the EU and local communities. Additionally, we gathered feedback through surveys and interviews to continuously improve our programs and address the needs of our participants.
Our young participants were passionate about environmental protection, emphasizing the efficient use of resources, reducing consumption, and promoting recycling.
Participants shared their personal stories and best practices related to sustainable living. One participant noted, "I realized that small changes in my daily habits, like turning off lights when not needed and using reusable bags, can make a big difference in reducing my carbon footprint." Another participant mentioned, "Switching to a plant-based diet has not only improved my health but also made me feel more connected to the environment. It's a simple yet powerful way to contribute to sustainability."
The open dialogue session was instrumental in building a sense of community and shared responsibility among participants, reinforcing the idea that everyone has a role to play in creating a more sustainable future. Participants appreciated the opportunity to exchange ideas and learn from each other's experiences, which helped them feel more empowered to make sustainable choices in their daily lives.