In December 2025, the city of Athens became a hub of energy, connection, and celebration as partners, youth workers, and young changemakers gathered for the LOCAL(L)Y Final Event.
After two years of shared learning, challenges, and successes, this was a moment to come together, reflect on the journey, and celebrate what young people can achieve when empowered to take action for their communities and the environment!
The first day was dedicated to preparation and strategic planning. Partners and consortium members gathered to reflect on the journey of the past two years, celebrate milestones, and align on the program for the next day. Through interactive discussions and collaborative workshops, participants clarified roles, coordinated logistics, and explored ideas for future collaborations. A particularly productive session was the Data for Good – Impact Measurement in Practice workshop, where participants learned how to showcase project results effectively and translate data into meaningful narratives. While not a public celebration, this day set the foundation for the meaningful exchanges, energy, and impact of the Final Event that followed.
On December 5th, at The Demos Center of The American College of Greece in Plaka, in the center of Athens, LOCAL(L)Y hosted a vibrant European gathering for dialogue and exchange on education, youth participation, and the ecological transition.
The “LOCAL(L)Y Panel” brought project coordinators and Youth Workers to the stage to share the project’s achievements, methodology, and results. Participants heard about implementations across different countries, the active involvement of young people in community actions, and the tangible outputs from the toolkit and Call to Action. More than fifty printed LOCAL(L)Y Toolkits in both Greek and English were distributed to all attendees, generating excitement and lively discussions about local applications and future initiatives. These moments demonstrated that initiatives like LOCAL(L)Y, supported through Erasmus+, do more than teach skills: they empower young people to take initiative, develop leadership, and become active citizens who can transform their communities.
The “From Environmental Education to Civic Service Models” Panel brought together thought leaders from Greek foundations, civic organizations, and educational institutions to explore how environmental education can be meaningfully linked to civic engagement. Panelists shared strategies for supporting youth-led initiatives, the transformative power of storytelling, the role of outdoor experiential education, and ways to create sustainable pathways for young people to engage civically. The conversation was personal, inspiring, and full of hope, a clear reminder that change happens when knowledge, passion, and commitment come together to support young people.
Despite storms and challenging weather, the Final Event radiated resilience, creativity, and shared purpose. Smiles, ideas, and new connections filled the room, and the energy of two years of collaboration came to life in every conversation. Participants left feeling empowered, motivated, and part of a growing network of youth-led environmental action.
As a warm conclusion to this successful collaboration and impactful event, the consortium bid farewell on Saturday with a cultural visit to the Acropolis, a moment of reflection, inspiration, and shared appreciation for the LOCALY’s Project core team.
The LOCAL(L)Y Final Event was more than a project closing. It was a recognition of what young people have achieved, of what partners have learned together, and of the seeds sown for future collaborations. From grassroots implementations in local communities to shared European reflections on youth environmental action, this journey has shown that when we trust young people with leadership, support them with tools, and surround them with community, profound transformation becomes possible.
The impact of these two years is already visible in confident young leaders, stronger and more connected networks, and communities that have been meaningfully shaped by these actions. The Final Event offered a moment to pause, look back with pride, and look ahead with excitement, as the journey of youth-led environmental action continues to grow.
