In 2026, Florence will host three Erasmus+ Youth Exchanges that bring together young people from across Europe to explore some of the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing society. While each project focuses on a distinct theme, from sustainability and environmental awareness to civic participation and democratic engagement. They share a common goal of empowering young people to become active contributors to positive change in their communities. Hosted by ICSE & Co., to provide participants with opportunities to learn, collaborate, and develop practical skills through intercultural dialogue and experiential learning. Together, the projects demonstrate the power of youth mobility programs to inspire action, strengthen communities, and build a more sustainable and inclusive Europe.
Collecting Voices for Sustainability: Giving Young People a Voice in Shaping the Future
The first exchange, Collecting Voices for Sustainability , takes place from the 29th of June to the 5th of July and focuses on the relationship between youth participation and sustainable development. Built around the Four Dimensions of Sustainable Living framework developed by Gaia Education. The project explores sustainability through social, ecological, economic, and worldview perspectives. Participants are encouraged to reflect on how their voices, values, and actions can contribute to creating more sustainable communities and societies.
Through workshops, discussions, creative activities, and intercultural learning experiences, young people gain an understanding of sustainability, while developing the confidence to express their opinions and engage in meaningful dialogue. The project emphasizes active participation, critical thinking, teamwork, and civic engagement. Thus helping participants understand that sustainability is not only about environmental protection but also about social responsibility, economic resilience, and cultural awareness.
A key feature of the exchange is participant-led learning. National teams facilitate workshops on different dimensions of sustainability, creating opportunities for peer education and leadership development. By the end of the project, participants are equipped with new knowledge, stronger communication skills, and practical ideas for contributing to a more sustainable future in their local communities.
The Edge Effect: Reimagining Urban Sustainability Through Permaculture
From the 20th to 26th of July 2026 , the second exchange, The Edge Effect , invites participants to explore urban sustainability through an innovative perspective. The project encourages young people to look beyond conventional approaches to sustainability and examine the often overlooked spaces where innovation, diversity, and transformation emerge. In nature, edges are areas where different ecosystems meet and thrive. The project applies this concept to cities, challenging participants to identify opportunities for positive change within the margins of urban life.
Through non-formal learning methods, collaborative workshops, and participant-led activities, young people investigate how communities reclaim and reimagine urban spaces across Europe. Participants compare experiences from their own cities, exchange ideas about sustainability practices, and develop a deeper understanding of permaculture principles as practical tools for observing and improving urban environments.
The exchange promotes intercultural dialogue, critical thinking, and community centered problem-solving, while fostering a transnational network of young people committed to environmental sustainability. By the end of the project, participants return home with a renewed perspective on their urban surroundings and concrete inspiration for local action.
ENGAGE: Expanding New Generations’ Access to Governance and Engagement
The final exchange, ENGAGE – Expanding New Generations’ Access to Governance and Engagement , takes place from 24th to 29th of August and focuses on strengthening democratic participation among young people. At a time when many young Europeans feel disconnected from political processes and decision-making structures, ENGAGE seeks to demonstrate that democracy is not simply a formal institution. However, it is an everyday practice shaped by active participation, dialogue, and community involvement.
The project brings together young people from diverse backgrounds, including participants from rural communities, migrant backgrounds, and those facing social or economic barriers. Through interactive workshops, role-playing exercises, debates, simulations, and collaborative group work, participants explore topics related to democracy, governance, and civic participation.
A central component of ENGAGE is the creation of youth-led initiatives. Working in international teams, participants design projects aimed at addressing challenges within their local communities. These initiatives are intended to continue beyond the exchange itself, transforming ideas developed in Florence into tangible actions with real social impact. By combining civic education with intercultural exchange, the project strengthens participants’ leadership abilities, communication skills, and understanding of democratic processes. More importantly, it encourages them to see themselves as active citizens capable of influencing positive change at the local, national, and European levels.
Building a Generation of Changemakers
Although each of these exchanges addresses different themes, they are united by a shared vision of youth empowerment. Whether exploring sustainability through personal values and collective action, participants are encouraged to become active contributors to their communities. All three projects utilize non-formal education methodologies that place participants at the center of the learning process. Through activities, peer learning, intercultural dialogue, and collaborative problem-solving, young people develop not only knowledge, but also the practical skills needed to navigate an increasingly complex and interconnected world.
Together, Collecting Voices for Sustainability , The Edge Effect , and ENGAGE represent a comprehensive approach to youth development, one that recognizes young people as innovators, leaders, and changemakers. By fostering sustainability, civic responsibility, and international cooperation, these Erasmus+ Youth Exchanges contribute to building a generation prepared to address the social, environmental, and democratic challenges of the future.
As participants return to their home countries, the impact of these exchanges will continue through local initiatives, community projects, and international networks. In this way, the experiences gained in Florence extend far beyond a single week of activities, creating lasting opportunities for learning, collaboration, and positive social change across Europe and beyond.
