International seminar on ‘Climate, environment and EU policies’

We are excited to share an update on the outstanding international event that took place on 9 May 2023 in Wrocław, Poland. The conference, titled “DON’T CALL IT CHANGE: THE VOICE OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE CLIMATE CRISIS”, was a dynamic and inspiring gathering focused on addressing the urgent issue of climate protection within the European Union. The event brought together representatives of partner organisations and enthusiastic young people from local Polish schools.

The event was divided into two distinct parts, each designed to foster learning, engagement, and active dialogue:

• Presentation and theoretical introduction. Representatives of Fundacja Ekologiczna Zielona Akcja and Fundacja Green Gaya opened the day with an insightful and informative session. They provided a comprehensive overview of the climate emergency, delving into its causes, consequences, and the urgent need for action. The presentation offered participants a solid theoretical foundation, enhancing their understanding of the climate crisis.

• Open space debate. The second part of the event, entitled “CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES – WHAT DO YOUNG PEOPLE WANT AND CAN CHANGE FOR THE CLIMATE?”, featured an open space debate. This engaging discussion format actively involved all participants, encouraging them to contribute their thoughts and ideas on the climate emergency and related topics. The debate provided young people with a platform to express their concerns, aspirations, and innovative solutions regarding the climate crisis.

The successful organisation and hosting of the event are credited to the dedicated efforts of the Polish partner organisation Dolnośląska Federacja Organizacji Pozarządowych (DFOP). Their strong commitment to the #DOCC project and their dedication to creating meaningful platforms for dialogue and action on climate protection were evident throughout the event. DFOP’s collaborative approach and expertise in engaging civil society organisations played a key role in the event’s success.

One of the main objectives of the event was to amplify the voice of young people in the climate emergency. By involving students from local Polish schools, the conference provided these passionate individuals with a platform to express their concerns, share their ideas, and contribute to the ongoing climate dialogue. Including young people’s perspectives not only enriched the discussions but also highlighted the importance of youth empowerment and engagement in climate action.

The international event held in Wrocław, Poland, showcased the power of knowledge sharing through dialogue in addressing the climate crisis. Through presentations, interactive discussions, and the active participation of young people, the event fostered a collaborative environment for learning, idea exchange, and engagement. The collective efforts of the partner organisations, led by DFOP, demonstrated a shared commitment to giving young people a voice and promoting meaningful change in climate protection within the European Union.