This article covers:
Shared transportation problems in European cities.
The importance of safety and inclusivity in urban planning.
Insights from youth on addressing public transport challenges.
In early June 2025, I had the opportunity to travel to Valencia, Spain, as part of the CLYMACT Youth Ambassador Programme, thanks to Zugló Municipality and the GiLE Foundation. Alongside five other Hungarian Ambassadors, we worked with young people from other participating countries, shared our ideas, and engaged in meaningful conversations.
The event took place in Mislata, a city bordering Valencia. Each trip in the programme focuses on a topic related to climate awareness. This time, we explored the issue of sustainable mobility. Together, we examined our cities’ mobility systems, the challenges they face, and what ideas young people have for improvement.
This is a topic that affects all of us. Everyone uses public transport at some point. As a university student in Budapest, I rely heavily on public transport, and as someone passionate about sustainability, learning more about eco-friendly solutions was especially exciting.
During our final workshop day, we worked in mixed-country groups to reflect on what we had learned. Our group focused on the biggest challenges to sustainable mobility in our home cities.
What stood out was how similar our problems are, regardless of location. Traffic congestion is one of the most common issues. Thousands of cars clog central areas, leading to delays and frustration. In many cases, people drive because they live in suburban areas where public transport is unreliable or underdeveloped. A clear solution would be improving transit coverage and frequency to make public transport a realistic alternative.
Safety was another shared concern. Whether walking, cycling, or using a scooter, people want to feel secure. Cities are trying to address this by introducing speed limits and calming traffic in busy zones, especially near schools and public spaces. Building protected bike lanes and better pedestrian routes can make a major difference.
Some cities are also dealing with the downsides of unregulated e-scooter use. While they offer a quick, low-cost travel option, their careless use poses safety risks. People often speed, ignore traffic rules, and abandon scooters on sidewalks, creating hazards for others.
Throughout the CLYMACT workshop, we learned from expert speakers, explored case studies, and shared perspectives. It was inspiring to see so many young people passionate about improving sustainability in their communities.
Despite our differences, we found common ground and shared concerns. We returned home with fresh ideas, stronger connections, and a deeper sense of purpose. Thanks to our organisers, the experience was both meaningful and motivating. We are now better equipped to help shape more sustainable, inclusive, and safe mobility systems in our cities.
[1] Find your track. [2] Join our online info session. [3] Apply!
This track provides aspiring diplomats and those interested in international public servants with in-depth knowledge and practical skills essential for a successful career in international relations. Participants will engage in workshops on diplomatic protocol, cultural diplomacy, and science diplomacy, alongside visits to embassies and relevant international organisations. These activities offer hands-on experience and insights into diplomatic practices and international development, helping participants develop the necessary skills and network to excel within international organisations.
Aspiring diplomats – International relations enthusiasts interested in careers in diplomacy, international development, and global cooperation.
International public servants – Students and young professionals interested in pursuing a career at an international organisation like the United Nations, UNESCO, UNHCR, or UNICEF, for example, without necessarily wanting to be a diplomat (i.e. remaining independent of any single nation’s government). Interests may include advancing global peace, international development, and human rights.
[1] Find your track. [2] Join our online info session. [3] Apply!
This track equips aspiring public servants and NGO leaders with the skills and knowledge necessary for impactful community work. Participants will attend workshops on introduction to nonprofit management and civic engagement, effective altruism, social innovation, design thinking, community engagement, and fundraising. Additionally, visits to local NGOs and municipalities will provide practical insights into the functioning and challenges of civic organizations. This track aims to foster effective leadership and innovative thinking in addressing social issues.
(Aspiring) public servants – Students and young professionals who work, or aspire to work, in government departments or local municipalities in their country, and who seek to enhance their skills, network, effectiveness in public administration and ability to improve their communities.
(Aspiring) non-profit founders – Passionate individuals interested in creating and leading non-profit organisations focused on addressing social and environmental issues.
Young changemakers and community organisers – Young leaders dedicated to mobilising communities and fostering grassroots movements to drive social change. This includes environmental advocates committed to promoting sustainable practices and policies to combat environmental issues.
The following roles are currently available:
The role consists of:
Location: This role can be done in Budapest (Hungary) or remotely, from anywhere in the world.
Qualifications: No formal qualifications are required. However, the candidate should have previous demonstrable experience.
Skills and requirements:
The role consists of:
Location: This role can be done in Budapest (Hungary) or remotely, from anywhere in the world.
Qualifications: No formal qualifications are required. However, the candidate should have previous demonstrable experience.
Skills and requirements:
The role consists of:
Location: This role can be done in Budapest (Hungary) or remotely, from anywhere in the world.
Qualifications: No formal qualifications are required. However, the candidate should have previous demonstrable experience.
Skills and requirements:
The role consists of:
Location: This role can be done in Budapest (Hungary) or remotely, from anywhere in the world.
Qualifications: No formal qualifications are required. However, the candidate should have previous demonstrable experience.
Skills and requirements:
The following roles are currently available:
The role consists of:
Location: This role can be done in Budapest (Hungary) or remotely, from anywhere in the world.
Qualifications: No formal qualifications are required. However, the candidate should have previous demonstrable experience.
Skills and requirements:
The role consists of:
Location: This role can be done in Budapest (Hungary) or remotely, from anywhere in the world.
Qualifications: No formal qualifications are required. However, the candidate should have previous demonstrable experience.
Skills and requirements:
The following roles are currently available:
The role consists of:
Produce written or verbal content that is clear and persuasive for our target audience for various platforms in a way that is consistent with our brand strategy and voice (articles, blogs, podcasts, newsletter texts, etc.).
Assist with the development of creative ideas and concepts for advertising, social
media, or crowdfunding campaigns.
Help drive brand consistency across all communication platforms
Location: This role can be done in Budapest (Hungary) or remotely, from anywhere in the world.
Qualifications: No formal qualifications required. However, the candidate should have previous demonstrable experience.
Skills and requirements:
The role consists of:
Location: This role can be done in Budapest (Hungary) or remotely, from anywhere in the world.
Qualifications: No formal qualifications are required. However, the candidate should have previous demonstrable experience.
Skills and requirements:
The role consists of:
Location: This role can be done in Budapest (Hungary) or remotely, from anywhere in the world.
Qualifications: No formal qualifications required, however, the candidate should have previous demonstrable experience.
Skills and requirements:
The role consists of:
Location: This role can be done in Budapest (Hungary) or remotely, from anywhere in the world.
Qualifications: No formal qualifications are required. However, the candidate should have previous demonstrable experience.
Skills and requirements:
The role consists of:
Location: This role can be done in Budapest (Hungary) or remotely, from anywhere in the world.
Qualifications: No formal qualifications are required. However, the candidate should have previous demonstrable experience.
Skills and requirements:
