EmpowerYouth Study Visit: from learning to action for civic engagement and climate justice

Between 8–12 July, a representative of the Regional Community Development Center (CRDC) took part in the study visit “EmpowerYouth – Learning and action for civic engagement and climate impact”, held in Bucharest. The event brought together civil society and youth organizations from Romania, the Republic of Moldova, Armenia, and Georgia, creating a shared learning space focused on youth civic engagement and climate action.

Day 1: civic participation and sustainable decision-making

The first day focused on understanding how young people can influence community development through concrete actions. Participants explored sustainability and local governance concepts through an interactive simulation game, EcoVille, which illustrated the connection between individual choices, public policies, and environmental impact.
The practical session on youth–local authority cooperation for climate action provided applied examples and useful tools for implementing local civic initiatives.

Day 2: educational tools and institutional practices

The second day centered on educational toolkits designed for youth organizations aiming to strengthen civic participation and structured dialogue with public authorities. Reviewing the toolkit’s structure and applied examples offered valuable insights into adapting these tools to the Moldovan context.
The programme continued with an urban environmental education experience through a guided visit to Pajiștea Petricani, highlighting local efforts to protect urban biodiversity.
The day concluded with an institutional visit to the Bucharest City Hall, where discussions addressed the integration of youth and environmental policies into local planning and effective cooperation models between public administration and civil society.

Day 3: from ideas to campaigns for climate justice

The third day emphasized practical application. In the morning, participants visited community-based initiatives such as Seneca Anticafe and SNK Association, alternative spaces promoting active participation and social innovation.
In the afternoon, international teams engaged in a simulation exercise to design local climate justice campaigns: identifying real community challenges, key stakeholders, clear objectives, and effective civic engagement methods. The proposed ideas were presented and discussed in structured feedback sessions within an open and collaborative environment.
The final session was dedicated to reflection, evaluation, and outlining concrete next steps for applying the acquired knowledge within local communities.

Participation in the EmpowerYouth study visit provided the CRDC team with practical tools, best practice examples, and renewed motivation to further strengthen youth civic engagement and integrate climate-related approaches into local initiatives in southern Moldova.

We extend our thanks to the Romanian Center for European Policies (CRPE) for the invitation and for facilitating this international exchange, which contributes to building more active, informed, and environmentally responsible communities.