Why this training
Climate and environmental protection have been among young Europeans’ top priorities for almost a decade. Yet many young people feel caught between responsibility and helplessness — and more and more of them step back from climate engagement altogether.
Youth workers can help them turn concern into constructive action, but few have been trained in environmental mediation or peaceful advocacy. A survey of 57 youth workers and young people in our partner organisations showed three gaps:
Competence
No training in environmental mediation or climate conflict resolution.
Connection
Difficulty linking local climate issues to concrete advocacy pathways.
Advocacy
Rural youth, young women and NEETs do not feel represented in climate decisions.
What you will learn
- Environmental mediation and climate conflict analysis
- Conflict transformation models, including Galtung’s and Thomas-Kilmann’s
- Mediation, negotiation, active listening and non-violent communication through role-play
- An immersive multilateral simulation of climate conflicts
- A study visit in Vienna and design-thinking workshops on peaceful advocacy tactics
Your local follow-up
In national teams of four, you design a local initiative on a climate or environmental issue in your community. After the training, each team implements it by 30 January 2027, reaching at least 15 young people. The follow-up is part of the training itself.
Who can apply
You live in Austria, France, Croatia, Latvia, Algeria, Egypt, Lebanon or Tunisia.
You are between 20 and 35 years old.
You work with young people at grassroots level, or are ready to.
You communicate in English at B2 level.
You commit to the full programme and every session.
You will design and run a local follow-up with your team.
You will support dissemination online and offline.
You are curious and open to intercultural learning.
Costs and travel
There is no participation fee. Accommodation in a hostel, the programme and materials are covered, and so are meals from breakfast on 11 November to breakfast on 17 November (except lunch on the day of the possible UN visit). Flights are refunded up to these limits:
| Travelling from | Refund up to |
|---|---|
| Croatia | €285 |
| France, Latvia, Tunisia | €309 |
| Algeria, Egypt, Lebanon | €395 |
Only flights are refunded; local transport in Vienna is your own contribution. Book only after we approve your route, and the refund is paid once your follow-up initiative is done.
Timeline
Preparation
September–November 2026
Including an online preparatory meeting
Training
10–17 November 2026
In Vienna, Austria
Follow-up
December 2026–30 January 2027
Local initiatives in each country
Good to know
- Participants from Algeria, Egypt, Lebanon and Tunisia must already hold a valid Schengen visa or another guaranteed entry to Austria. We cannot provide visa support or invitation letters.
- A study visit to the United Nations headquarters in Vienna may take place, subject to security clearance.
- Preparatory tasks and the final programme are shared by email after selection.
- You receive a Youthpass certificate on the last day.
