The 2023 International Labour Organization (ILO) youth survey revealed that in Tunisia and Egypt, 80% of youth aged 15-29 worked informally while youth inactivity reaches 17% in Spain and 25% in Türkiye (Education at a Glance 2023 report). The same report claims that for multiple reasons young Mediterranean women are much more vulnerable and affected by dropping out of school and precarious employment. International reports indicate that inadequate learning and skills are key factors contributing to high NEET (youth Not in Employment, Education or Training) rates. Most education systems in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region do not focus on developing critical thinking and other skills necessary for the labour market and active civic life.
Mediterranean Initiative for Climate-MIC
Project Budget
EU Contribution
Countries
Partners
- To co-design and develop a transnational training program for Mediterranean youth CSOs, blending digital and face-to- face methods, focusing on engagement as a key skill for employment and addressing regional challenges through social and artistic innovation.
- To support and engage young Mediterranean people to advocate for positive changes in Mediterranean societies through the implementation of concrete local and transnational creative actions and promoting original projects.
- Trained 200 young people from Türkiye, France, Spain, Tunisia and Egypt, co-developing and applying innovative learning methods that fostered engagement and enhanced employment skills – digital, creative, and analytical – while addressing Mediterranean challenges.
- Strengthened young people’s civic actions.
- Fostered a transnational participatory dynamic.
- Co-design of a pedagogical framework for the MedYCI training program developed by young Mediterranean participants and experts across five regions.
- Creation of a multidisciplinary team of 30 trainers.
- 5 MedYCI training sessions implemented across 5 countries, directly engaging over 200 youngsters.
- Establishment of five MedYCI studios which will be fully operational to enhance creative young participants skills in each region.
- Strategic recommendations for the Mediterranean Youth Council ensuring they are informed by diverse youth perspectives across the Mediterranean.
- 5 showcases of 50 innovative ideas for a better future of the Mediterranean.
- 25 simultaneous local creative engaged actions executed by youth, across the Mediterranean.
- •10 transnational webtv show (Medtalk) created by MedYCI trained Mediterranean youth.
EVENTS
EVENTS
edition
First Edition
The First Edition of the Mediterranean Initiative for Climate (MIC) is being launched from El-Alamein.
“Before the UN Climate Change Conference 2022 (UNFCCC, COP 27) in November 2022, the Mediterranean Youth Foundation for Development (MYF), in collaboration with the Oceans Network and funded by Erasmus+, organized a training event in El-Alamein, Egypt, focusing on climate change. The event gathered 55 youth aged 21-35 from various Euro-Mediterranean countries, including Spain, Lebanon, Palestine, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Egypt, for three days of training designed to raise awareness and enhance capabilities in addressing climate issues.
The initiative emphasized key topics such as unemployment, the climate crisis, migration, and gender inequality, fostering a multicultural environment through workshops and panel discussions. With around 50 hours of training, participants engaged in techniques for writing policy papers, culminating in their submissions intended for evaluation by officials.
Social media played a significant role in the initiative, with an online campaign launched before the workshops to educate the public on climate change and its effects, particularly regarding plastic use. Two competitions were also held: a question game rewarding participants with prizes and opportunities to join the workshops, and an article competition focusing on climate change, where winners received monetary rewards and workshop participation.
The event concluded with critical recommendations, emphasizing the urgency of activating climate policies globally and enhancing youth involvement in climate action. It asserted that immediate action is needed without delay, underscoring the recognition of environmental rights as human rights. Additionally, a call for improved communication between governmental and organizational bodies at all levels was made to facilitate effective planning, implementation, and evaluation of climate strategies.”
To navigate to 1st edition Photos LINK
Second Edition
The Second Edition of the Mediterranean Initiative for Climate (MIC) is being launched from Hurghada.
“Successfully Concluding the Second Edition of the “Mediterranean Initiative for Climate” in Hurghada
The Mediterranean Youth Foundation (MYF), in collaboration with the Egyptian Ministry of Youth and Sports, successfully launched the second edition of its regional project, the “Mediterranean Initiative for Climate,” which took place in Hurghada from December 19 to 23, 2024.
The Initiative’s significance stems from its direct response to the escalating environmental challenges in the Mediterranean region. This area, home to over 510 million people, is experiencing temperature increases 20% faster than the global average, according to UN Environment reports.
Objectives and Program Highlights
The core goal of the initiative was to build the capacities of youth organization representatives, develop environmental policies, and generate knowledge to raise awareness about climate change. It served as a vital platform for interaction and cultural exchange among Mediterranean youth, fostering innovation in environmental solutions to address shared challenges.
The program featured a diverse and impactful range of sessions, including:
- Workshops, hearings, research activities, and presentations focusing on the conceptual framework, historical background of climate change, and key related international agreements.
- A specialized session on the “Gender Lens on Climate Change,” led by Dr. Yasmeen Aladdin, Gender Expert and Co-President of the Mediterranean Youth Foundation.
- Discussions on “Climate Diplomacy and Negotiation Mechanisms,” and translating climate action to the grassroots level, presented by Mr. Mohamed Ageez, Climate Action Advisor at MYF.
A knowledge competition centered on climate and environmental terminology.
- Creative artistic performances by participants that addressed complex concepts such as loss and damage, mitigation and adaptation, and deep decarbonization, reflecting the Initiative’s aim to connect climate action to community levels.
- Exploration of the regional interaction mechanism between science and policies as recognized by the Barcelona Convention.
Looking Forward
While our journey in Hurghada for climate action has concluded, the efforts of the Mediterranean Youth Foundation continue. We are committed to sustainable capacity building for youth to enable their effective contribution to shaping a more sustainable future for the Mediterranean region.
Third Edition
“The third edition of the Mediterranean Initiative for Climate (MIC) is being launched from Ras El Bar, Egypt.
In parallel with the Local Conference of Youth (LCOY Egypt 2025), the Mediterranean Youth Foundation and its partners launched the third edition of our strategic project, the “Mediterranean Initiative for Climate.”
The initiative is jointly supported by the Council of Europe and the European Union and is being implemented in Egypt by the Mediterranean Youth Foundation, under the joint patronage of the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Ministry of Environment.
The events kicked off with ice-breaking sessions and energizing activities, followed by interactive workshops addressing key climate change questions: What is it? When did it start? How was the response of the international community? What is the role of cultural dialogue in fostering Euro-Mediterranean cooperation? This initiative comes as part of the foundation’s plan to develop the skills and build the capacities of civil society actors, aiming for sustainable development driven by youth leadership.
Yossef Aroog also facilitated an analytical session that explored the evolution of international frameworks to combat climate change , starting from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), followed by the Kyoto Protocol, and then the Paris Agreement, all the way up to the long-term European Green Deal, which aims to make the EU the first climate-neutral continent by achieving net-zero emissions by 2050!
A rich sequence that reflects how the international community’s response to the climate issue has evolved and highlights the importance of continued cross-border cooperation for a more sustainable future. Stay tuned for upcoming events and reports.
Fourth Edition
the 4th Edition of the Mediterranean Initiative for Climate (MIC) Are you a dedicated climate action activist looking for a platform to transform your ideas into tangible impact?
The Mediterranean Youth Foundation (MYF), in partnership with the Misr El-Kheir Foundation and Population Matters, and under the patronage of the Egyptian Ministry of Environment, is pleased to launch the call for applications for the 4th edition of the Mediterranean Initiative for Climate (MIC).
This is a unique opportunity for young activists to strengthen their capacities and contribute meaningfully to a sustainable future.
Key Pillars of the 4th Edition (MIC): This edition focuses on three core areas to empower the next generation of climate leaders:
- Knowledge Capacity Building: Deepening youth understanding of climate change, international efforts, and the outcomes of global climate summits.
- Field Empowerment and Direct Support: Providing direct technical and financial support (up to 500 USD) for existing youth-led environmental initiatives and projects.
- Support for Decision-Making Participation: Training youth on preparing impactful policy papers and offering the possibility of obtaining badges to attend official climate negotiations (such as COP-SB sessions).
Benefits of Participation: As an MIC participant, you will receive the following advantages:
- Free specialized training on climate change, its historical background, and key international efforts.
- The possibility of securing micro-technical and financial support up to 500 USD to fund your environmental initiative.
- Participation in the preparation of policy papers with the chance to obtain badges to attend official international climate negotiations.
Who Should Apply? This opportunity is open to:
- Individuals passionate about climate and environmental action.
- Those who possess environmental ideas or recommendations needing financial or technical support.
- Youth aged 18 to 35 years old.
- Important Note: This project is fully funded, and there are no participation fees.
- Apply now and be part of the change!
APPLY FORM FORM LINK
Project card
English (PDF)
Objectives
This Egyptian initiative is the first of its kind in the Mediterranean region, dedicated to raising awareness and providing environmental education on climate change through an informal educational approach across all its activities. Its aim is to enhance awareness and education on climate change, build the capacity of young men and women in this field, equip them with scientific and practical skills in environmental matters, launch initiatives that promote a green and blue economy and gender equality, and develop innovative solutions and recommendations for decision-makers.
The project’s activities are diverse, including awareness campaigns on social media, sharing successful stories and experiences at the international, regional, and local levels. It also involves launching environmentally supportive hashtags, holding knowledge and information competitions, and providing opportunities to submit and publish scientific and media articles on climate change. Furthermore, the project includes workshops on climate change in areas such as building community initiatives, mobilizing support and advocacy campaigns, and awareness workshops on climate change issues. Finally, it trains specialized climate change trainers based on relevant official studies and reports. In addition to training in writing public policy papers to develop innovative solutions and recommendations for environmental issues, especially climate change.
project includes:
Project Status
Ongoing
Countries covered
5
Start date
01-01-2025
End date
31-01-2026
Programme
Erasmus+
Key Action
Learning Mobility of Individuals
Action Type
Mobility of youth workers