The project “Wings of Friendship” aims to empower young people aged 13–17 from Greece, Romania and Ukraine through a high-quality Youth Exchange based on youth work practice, non-formal education and learning through nature. From a youth work perspective, the project addresses real needs of young people facing social, geographical and psychosocial challenges, such as limited access to international opportunities, social isolation and, in the case of the Ukrainian participants, the consequences of living in a war-affected context. The project creates a safe and supportive environment where young people can express themselves, cooperate and build self-confidence. The main objectives of the project are: -the development of key life competences (teamwork, communication, leadership, critical thinking and resilience), -the strengthening of environmental awareness and sustainability, -the promotion of intercultural understanding, solidarity and European identity. These objectives are achieved through concrete, experiential youth work activities such as birdwatching and biodiversity mapping, orienteering activities, an escape game designed by the young people themselves, creative digital storytelling workshops and daily reflection groups. Young people are not passive participants, but actively take on roles, make decisions and co-shape the programme. The project strengthens the role of youth leaders as facilitators and mentors, ensures young people’s participation in all phases of the project (preparation, implementation and evaluation), and supports the recognition of learning outcomes through Youthpass. The ultimate aim is for participants to return to their local communities as active citizens and multipliers, applying what they have learned in actions related to environmental responsibility, social inclusion and European cooperation. In this way, Wings of Friendship focuses not only on what young people did, but on who they became through the process: more autonomous, more aware and more ready to contribute positively to their communities and to the democratic life of Europe.