The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were the outcome of a lengthy global process of discussions and negotiations. After the Cold War, cuts in development assistance budgets severely affected countries that had depended on such cooperation. In response, the UN and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) initiated discussions on goals addressing economic well-being, social development, and sustainability. In September 2000, 189 nations committed to combating extreme poverty and other social issues, which resulted in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The MDGs marked a pivotal moment in the global will to address critical challenges. These eight goals provided a framework primarily targeting developing countries, focusing on basic human needs and social indicators. While the MDGs made notable progress, they were not without limitations. From 2000 to 2015, various events and reports monitored the worldwide progress of the MDGs. In 2015, the international community recognised the need for a more comprehensive and inclusive approach to global development, which led to the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Following the MDGs, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) emerged in September 2015, when 193 nations adopted a global agenda during the United Nations Summit on Sustainable Development. This agenda comprised 17 goals and 169 targets to be achieved globally by 2030, covering areas such as poverty eradication, food security, health, education, gender equality, energy, climate change and more. Building upon the foundation laid by the MDGs, the SDGs represented a universal agenda applicable to all countries, acknowledging the interconnectedness of global challenges. The SDGs extended beyond the MDGs' initial scope, encompassing a broader range of issues that included economic development, social equality, and environmental sustainability. This expansion reflected an understanding that sustainable development required a holistic perspective that addressed not only basic needs, but also the complex interplay between economic growth, social well-being, and environmental stewardship. Education played a pivotal role in driving awareness and understanding of sustainability issues and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Thus, the significance of younger generations could not be underestimated. Young people played a crucial role as activists for sustainable development as they took the initiative to organise and participate in educational workshops and awareness campaigns, collaborating with organisations such as Zero, Greenpeace Portugal and others. Youth awareness and engagement were essential to creating a new global model that combatted poverty, promoted prosperity, protected the environment and addressed climate change. At the European level, it was important to highlight the relevance of the European Union's Cohesion Policy, which set thematic support objectives for growth for the period 2021–2027. These objectives aligned with the 17 SDGs and represented an opportunity to promote sustainable development in the region. This was where the "Green Island" project came in. This innovative project aimed to contribute positively to global activism by leveraging initiatives already implemented at local and national levels and learning from organisations and partners. The project provided an opportunity for the exchange of methods, tools, and experiences among youngsters who could consequently become advocates for sustainable practices. The main objective of this youth exchange in the Azores was to align with the priority of the Erasmus+ Programme regarding the environment and climate change by promoting awareness and understanding of the SDGs among young people and the involved organisations, guiding them to acquire knowledge, skills and attitudes. By acting as ambassadors for sustainability, young individuals played a crucial role in influencing positive change. This aligned with the project's goal of encouraging local and global activism among youngsters, showcasing the tangible impact of individual actions. Youth engagement in the policy-making process was another avenue for contribution. By actively participating in discussions related to sustainability at local and national levels, young individuals voiced their concerns and contributed fresh perspectives to decision-making processes. This aligned with the project's objective of fostering collaboration and partnerships, ensuring that the youth were actively involved in shaping the trajectory of sustainable development in their regions. This project aimed not only to empower young individuals to become agents of change, but also to multiply their actions in communities, promoting effective change towards a more sustainable world, and creating a collective and lasting impact on the path towards sustainability.