🌱 European Youth Week 2026 | TDM Workshop: Think - Design - Make Change to a Sustainable Malta 🌍

Young People Explore Sustainability and Active Citizenship During European Youth Week 2026

As part of European Youth Week 2026, our organisation successfully organised the workshop “Think - Design - Make Change to a Sustainable Malta”, bringing together young people from across Malta to discuss environmental sustainability, active citizenship, and the role of youth in shaping a better future.

Held on 9th May 2026, the workshop provided an interactive space for participants aged 16-30 to explore some of the most pressing environmental challenges facing Malta today. Through a series of non-formal learning activities, discussions, and collaborative exercises, participants reflected on the connections between sustainability, fairness, and solidarity, while considering how these values can contribute to a more resilient and inclusive society.

Understanding Local Challenges

The workshop began with an exploration of environmental issues affecting Malta, including waste management, overdevelopment, resource consumption, and the impacts of climate change on island communities. Participants were encouraged to share their own experiences and observations, creating a dynamic exchange of perspectives and ideas from various age groups and different realities of Malta.

By examining these challenges through both local and European lenses, participants gained a deeper understanding of how environmental sustainability is closely linked to social responsibility, community well-being, and long-term development.

Learning Through Participation

Using non-formal education methods, participants engaged in group discussions, brainstorming sessions, and problem-solving exercises. These activities encouraged critical thinking and active participation while strengthening important personal and interpersonal skills.

Throughout the workshop, young people worked together to identify practical solutions that could contribute to a more sustainable Malta. Participants explored how individual actions, community initiatives, and policy changes can all play a role in addressing environmental challenges.

The workshop also provided opportunities for self-reflection, allowing participants to consider their own values, behaviours, and responsibilities as members of their communities.

Discovering European Opportunities

An important component of the activity focused on European opportunities available to young people. Participants were introduced to programmes such as Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps and learned how these initiatives can support youth engagement, learning mobility, volunteering, and community action.

The session highlighted the many ways young people can become involved in projects that promote sustainability, inclusion, and active citizenship, both locally and across Europe.

Key Results and Impact

The workshop achieved its main objectives of increasing awareness of environmental challenges, encouraging active participation, and empowering young people to contribute to positive change.

Among the key outcomes were:

• Increased understanding of sustainability issues affecting Malta;

• Greater awareness of the relationship between environmental responsibility, fairness, and solidarity;

• Enhanced communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills;

• Improved knowledge of European youth programmes and opportunities;

• Increased motivation among participants to become active citizens and engage in sustainability-related initiatives.

Feedback collected at the end of the activity demonstrated a high level of participant satisfaction. Many participants expressed a desire to continue their involvement in environmental initiatives and showed interest in future Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps opportunities.

Looking Ahead

The workshop demonstrated the importance of creating spaces where young people can discuss current challenges, share ideas, and develop solutions together. By empowering young people with knowledge, skills, and opportunities, activities such as “Think - Design - Make Change to a Sustainable Malta” contribute to building stronger communities and a more sustainable future.

We would like to thank all participants for their enthusiasm, creativity, and active contribution to the success of the workshop. Their commitment and willingness to engage with important social and environmental issues show that young people have a vital role to play in shaping a greener, fairer, and more sustainable Europe.

The activity was implemented within the framework of European Youth Week 2026, co-funded by the European Union and EUPA, the Maltese National Agency, celebrating youth participation, democracy, and active citizenship across Europe.