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Think globally, act locally

2025-1-NO02-KA152-YOU-0003025692025Mobility of young peopleongoing
Countries: NO|PT|UA|GE|ES|AM · Grant: €51,805
Environment and climate changeGreen skillsCommunity development

Objectives

Today, cities are growing fast, but not always in ways that are sustainable or inclusive. Our planet is struggling with the consequences of overconsumption—waste, resource depletion, and environmental harm. If we don’t act now, these problems will only get worse. Global resource consumption is expected to increase by 60% by 2060, putting immense pressure on the environment. The fashion industry alone is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions and produces 92 million tons of waste annually. Cities generate over 2 billion tons of solid waste annually, yet waste management systems in many areas are ineffective or nonexistent in many countries. Young people have the power to make a difference, but they often lack the knowledge, skills, or opportunities to take action. This project is all about changing that. By educating and inspiring youth, we can empower them to adopt sustainable habits, create positive change in their communities, and collaborate across cultures to tackle global challenges. Through hands-on, nature-based activities, participants will learn practical DIY skills, explore sustainable lifestyles, and gain a deeper understanding of how the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) connect to their everyday lives. The project partners were carefully selected to ensure a balanced exchange of knowledge and opportunities for mutual learning. While Ukraine, Armenia, and Georgia have made significant progress in sustainable development, they can still benefit from learning best practices from other countries. In terms of overall SDG progress: Armenia ranks 49th out of 166 countries, with an SDG Index Score of 74.09. Georgia holds the 43rd position globally, with a score of 74.91. Ukraine ranks 44th, with a score of 74.81. Spain, Portugal, and Norway, with their strong records in sustainable development, can provide valuable expertise: Spain ranks 14th globally, with an SDG Index Score of 80.70. Portugal holds the 16th position, scoring 80.22. Norway stands out at 7th place, with a score of 82.2. This collaboration fosters knowledge sharing, allowing countries at different stages of SDG progress to learn from each other and strengthen their sustainability efforts. The idea for this project was sparked by Ana Tsirdava, who was many times a participant in projects organized by Beyond Borders. Her experience inspired her to take action—after leading follow-up activities on sustainability and consumerism, she decided to establish her own organization in Georgia, Green and Inclusive Future Association. Though still young, the organization is driven by passionate and motivated individuals who want to make a real impact. With the support of Beyond Borders, Ana and her team are now bringing this project to life, providing young people with the tools and inspiration they need to build a greener, more inclusive future. This interactive youth exchange will bring together participants from diverse backgrounds to develop creative solutions for sustainable urban living and responsible consumption. By working together, learning from each other, and taking action, we can help shape a future that is not only environmentally conscious but also fair and inclusive for everyone. This interactive youth exchange will bring together participants from diverse backgrounds to develop creative solutions for sustainable urban living and responsible consumption. By working together, learning from each other, and taking action, we can help shape a future that is not only environmentally conscious but also fair and inclusive for everyone. To be more specific, Porject objevtives are the following: Raise Awareness on SDG 11 & 12 – Help young people understand the importance of inclusive, resilient cities (SDG 11) and responsible consumption and production (SDG 12) through interactive learning experiences. Empower Youth for Sustainability – Equip young people with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to take action on sustainability issues in their communities. Promote Sustainable Lifestyles – Encourage participants to adopt and advocate for responsible consumption habits, reducing waste and environmental impact in their daily lives. Develop Practical Skills – Provide hands-on, nature-based activities that teach participants DIY techniques and practical sustainability skills they can apply in real life. Support Youth-Led Initiatives – Inspire and guide young people to take leadership in sustainability projects, empowering them to create long-term change in their communities. Strengthen the Role of Youth Organizations – Support and connect youth-led organizations, to expand their impact and reach in the field of sustainability.

Project partners (6)