The ECO-Leaders project was developed in response to an identified need to empower young people to engage more actively with environmental issues and to strengthen their role as participants in democratic and civic life. Through previous programmes and consultations, young people expressed a strong interest in climate action and sustainability, but also highlighted a lack of confidence, knowledge, and opportunities to engage meaningfully with these topics, particularly in relation to leadership and decision-making processes. The project aimed to address these needs by creating a structured and supportive environment in which young people could develop leadership skills, build knowledge of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and gain experience in peer education and structured dialogue. A particular emphasis was placed on inclusion, ensuring that young people from backgrounds with fewer opportunities had equal access to participation and support throughout the project. The overall aim of the project was to empower young people to become active leaders in environmental action by developing their skills, confidence, and capacity to engage with sustainability issues at local and national levels. The specific objectives of the project were: To provide young people with opportunities to exchange knowledge and ideas related to environmentally themed Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDGs 13 (Climate Action), 14 (Life Below Water), and 15 (Life on Land) To develop participants’ skills in peer education by supporting them to explore and present topics of importance to them To strengthen leadership skills, including communication, active listening, teamwork, and confidence To support young people in engaging in meaningful and structured dialogue with decision-makers, particularly during the Youth Summit To create a platform for collaboration and exchange between organisations and young people, fostering partnership development and shared learning Through these objectives, the project sought to support young people in recognising their role as active citizens and to equip them with the competencies needed to contribute to positive environmental and social change.