A multiplier event organized by the International Youth Center – Burgas marked the successful completion of the international project “Youth Leading the Green Energy Transition” (YLGET, No. 2024-3-RO01-KA210-YOU-000290227), funded under the Erasmus+ Programme.
The event brought together young people, representatives of local authorities, educational institutions, businesses and the energy sector, all sharing a common vision for sustainable development and greater youth participation in the processes related to the green energy transition.
Among the official guests were the Mayor of the town of Bulgarovo, Konstantin Shterionov, university lecturers, representatives of the Young Entrepreneur Club – Burgas, experts from the energy sector and public institutions, as well as principals and representatives of vocational and secondary schools from the region. Teachers, students, youth leaders and young people interested in sustainable innovation and the development of the green economy actively participated in the event.
During the meeting, the team of the International Youth Center – Burgas presented the activities implemented and the results achieved within the project, as well as the digital handbook developed jointly with the project partners Asociatia Edulifelong and SAYEG-DER. The handbook is designed for youth workers, young people and teachers, and can be used as an educational resource in initiatives related to green energy and sustainable development.
The main focus of the project was on youth leadership, youth empowerment and the development of skills that enable young people to make informed and conscious decisions regarding the energy transition. Throughout the project, participants had the opportunity not only to learn about the challenges and opportunities within the energy sector but also to actively develop their own solutions and ideas for a more sustainable future.
The discussion panel focused on the future of green professions, the need to prepare a skilled workforce for the energy sector, and the role of energy communities as a tool for more sustainable resource management. Experts and participants discussed trends in renewable energy development and the importance of active civic engagement in energy transformation processes.
Particular interest was generated by the panel dedicated to youth projects. It demonstrated how ideas, through dedication and hard work, had gradually evolved into real prototypes and developed business models. Young participants presented innovative concepts such as autonomous irrigation systems, passive energy-efficient buildings, an electric go-kart with the potential for hydrogen propulsion and other technological solutions aimed at sustainable development.
As part of a brainstorming hackathon dedicated to carbon neutrality, young people proposed ideas for the development of hydrogen transportation, the creation of prosumer energy networks, systems for collecting and utilizing rainwater and solutions for more efficient electricity consumption.
The programme also included a culinary workshop involving students from the Vocational High School of Tourism in Burgas. They demonstrated methods for preparing and preserving food through techniques such as cold preservation and fermentation – approaches that contribute to reducing energy consumption and food waste.
Guests also had the opportunity to explore an impressive exhibition of collages and comics created by young people during the project. Particular attention was drawn to the collages presenting diverse youth visions for a sustainable and green future. Each artwork told a different story and offered a unique perspective on renewable energy, environmental protection, sustainable cities and the active role of young people in building a better society. The diversity of ideas and creative approaches highlighted the participants’ imagination and commitment to addressing global environmental challenges.
The event concluded with an official award ceremony for the participants and a networking session that created opportunities for new partnerships, the exchange of ideas and future cooperation among educational institutions, organizations, and business representatives.
The “Youth Leading the Green Energy Transition” project demonstrated that when young people are provided with the necessary knowledge, support and opportunities for development, they can become drivers of positive change and active contributors to shaping the future of energy and sustainable development. By promoting youth leadership, civic engagement and informed participation, the project contributes to building a more aware and empowered generation, ready to meet the challenges of the green transition.
