GreenER+

Youth Exchange: GreenER+
Applicant: Genc Zihin Dernegi (Young Intelligence Association), Turkiye
Duration: 8 working days
Number of participants: 5 + 1 From Each Country
Project Dates: 1 September 2026- 1 September 2027
Activity Dates: 2 May 2026- 9 May 2026
Where: Turkiye

Abstract
In today’s world, where the global population has exceeded 8 billion and levels of production, greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, carbon consumption, and the impacts of “global climate change” continue to increase each day, the negative consequences of these challenges have reached an undeniable and critical level. As these problems intensify over time, it has become increasingly important to take preventive action by ensuring that young people, in particular, develop strong awareness and a solid knowledge base on sustainability, environmental protection, and climate-related issues.
The increasing levels of carbon emissions, the continued dominance of fossil fuel consumption despite the growing use of renewable energy sources, and the ongoing decrease of global forest areas alongside challenges in their effective protection are widely recognized by numerous international actors and authorities as critical problems that require urgent action. These issues pose significant risks to the sustainability and livability of our planet. Raising young people’s awareness and enhancing their knowledge about the severity of these risks, as well as exploring possible actions and solutions to address them, constitute the main rationale behind the development of this project. Furthermore, through the exchange of ideas, perspectives, and cultural experiences among participants from different countries during the project activities, the depth and impact of the acquired knowledge and experience are expected to increase, ultimately leading to higher overall project effectiveness and sustainability.
Throughout the project, participants’ active involvement will be supported through the use of non formal education methods. One of the core motivations of the project is to focus on individuals who aim to increase their level of awareness and to develop alternative or complementary ideas addressing the challenges outlined above, with the expectation that this approach will significantly enhance overall project effectiveness. Beyond its primary thematic focus, the project also offers multiple added values for participants. Bringing together young people from different countries not only strengthens the project’s multicultural and mosaic structure, but also encourages participants to step outside their personal comfort zones, fostering personal development, intercultural learning, and increased adaptability.

Main Aim:
The main aim of the project is to empower young people to actively contribute to a sustainable future by strengthening their awareness, skills, and engagement in energy transition, urban sustainability, and environmental protection. Through non-formal education and intercultural cooperation, the project supports young people in understanding their role in achieving the Sustainable Development.

Goals, particularly those related to clean energy, sustainable cities, climate action, and ecosystem protection. By combining experience-sharing, collaborative learning, and joint solution development, the project aims to equip participants with the capacity to act as active
changemakers in their communities and beyond.

Objectives:
• To empower young people to take an active role in shaping a sustainable future by developing knowledge, skills, and motivation to engage in climate action, environmental decision-making, and community-based sustainability initiatives.
• To promote youth participation and active citizenship by linking sustainability challenges with democratic processes and demonstrating how young people can contribute to long-term environmental and social well-being.
• To foster cultural cooperation and European solidarity by enabling young people from different countries to exchange perspectives, experiences, and good practices related to sustainability and future-oriented solutions.
• To empower young people aged 18–25 who are in the process of career decision making or are recent graduates to actively engage in sustainability-related fields by strengthening their knowledge, skills, and motivation in renewable energy, sustainable urban development, and environmental protection.

Main Aim: To strengthen the role of young people as active agents of change in addressing climate change by enhancing their understanding of renewable energy, sustainability, and environmental responsibility through intercultural cooperation and non-formal education.