Youth Policy Academy – Engage, Connect, Empower (YPA-ECE)  

Young people today are faced with an overwhelming array of environmental and social challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and rising inequality. In Malta, young people are particularly affected by the lack of green public spaces, environmental degradation, and a political system that often overlooks the voices of younger generations. Despite their concerns, many youth struggle to find platforms for meaningful engagement, leaving their potential untapped in shaping policy and driving social change. This disconnect between youth and decision-makers fuels feelings of disempowerment, making it harder for young people to make a tangible difference in the issues that matter most to them.

The YPA-ECE project empowers young people across Europe to play an active role in shaping policies, engaging with decision-makers, and building a sustainable Green Europe.  By strengthening youth involvement in democratic life and enhancing their capacity to collaborate with key stakeholders on environmental and social sustainability, YPA-ECE fosters transnational learning and cooperation. The project encourages young people to take charge of their futures and contribute meaningfully to policy discussions at local, national, and European levels.

The project aims to bridge this gap by providing young people in Malta with the tools, knowledge, and support to engage actively in environmental, social, and climate justice issues. Through workshops, networking opportunities, and hands-on action, YPA-ECE empowers youth to become effective advocates and active participants in policy-making.  A collaborative approach is central, working closely with young people, local communities, and organizations to foster collective action. Activities will include campaign training, activism skill-building and creating local solutions for global issues, ensuring that the voices of young people are heard and that they can take meaningful action in their communities.

What does the project aim to achieve?

1. Youth Capacity for Meaningful Involvement: The project offers various training and learning activities to equip young people with the knowledge and skills needed to influence decision-making processes, from local to European levels. Through these initiatives, we encourage youth to move from passive participants to active contributors in the democratic process.
2. Transnational Learning and Collaboration: YPA-ECE emphasizes the importance of cross-border cooperation and shared learning. Through international exchanges and collaborative projects, young people gain insights into diverse policy contexts and explore innovative solutions for social, economic, and environmental challenges.
3. A Green Future Through Empowerment: Central to the project is the promotion of a sustainable Green Europe. By engaging youth in climate action and sustainability efforts, YPA-ECE empowers them to advocate for environmental policies that foster a just and resilient future for all.
4. Youth Policy Training: We will provide training on youth policies, EU mechanisms, and environmental sustainability, enabling participants to understand how policies are shaped and how they can contribute to the decision-making process.
5. Engagement with Policymakers: YPA-ECE organizes forums, campaigns, and roundtables, where young people interact directly with policymakers and other stakeholders, discussing pressing issues such as climate change, youth rights, and sustainability.

Events

Reimagining the Bakery: A Creative Workshop
October 12, 2025 – The Old Bakery of Comino

A creative youth workshop brought participants together to explore Comino’s historic bakery and reimagine the island as an ecological haven through teamwork and hands-on activities, ending with a pitching competition. The winning team received a €300 voucher.

ĊineAmbjent Film Festival
October 17-19, 2025

ĊineAmbjent – Friends of the Earth Malta’s Environmental Film Fest returned, celebrating powerful stories about the planet, people, and the urgent need for change through a curated selection of local and international films. The festival took place from Friday 17th to Sunday 19th October 2025, featuring screenings across diverse locations in Malta and exploring critical environmental and social themes.

Stand Up, Speak Up! Public Speaking Workshop
October 28, 2025

Co-Funded by the European Union