Both in the West and in the East of Europe, we are experiencing an unparalleled turning point. Internationally, we are facing the challenges of climate change and must protect our democracies from hostile attacks. In addition, digital platforms have drastically changed the way we interact, the way we discuss, and which topics are present in our societies. The project “German-Latvian Youth Exchange 2025” is designed to help participants understand and reflect on the current situation, learn how to deal with it, and develop their own participatory strategies for democracy education, networking, and social cohesion. The project was based on several key principles and objectives, in particular: - Developing action competences to strengthen democracy - Preventing discrimination, exclusion, and prejudice - Expanding intercultural competence and openness to the world - Raising awareness, knowledge, and understanding of German and Latvian culture - Taking measures to reduce environmental pollution - Establishing respectful and considerate ways of living together - Promoting a constructive discussion culture, participation opportunities, and mindfulness training - Encouraging active civic engagement - Fostering a conscious and sustainable lifestyle - Building long-term networks and cooperation