This article covers:
The hidden inefficiencies in well-connected, walkable cities
A common transport design flaw shared by Zugló and Mislata
Why youth voices matter in rethinking public mobility networks
Earlier this June, I had the opportunity to take part in the international youth workshop within the framework of the CLYMACT project in Mislata, Spain, as a youth ambassador from Zugló, the 14th district of Budapest. This project, which brought together young people from across Europe to engage with climate-related urban challenges, was a great opportunity to learn about the challenges and best practices of other European cities with regards to sustainable transportation, which was the topic of this workshop.
Looking at Mislata, given the city’s compact size and metro access, I expected it to be one of the most walkable and connected places I’d ever visited. And in many ways, it was: dense, pedestrian-friendly, and linked directly to Valencia’s metro network. But even here, a familiar urban challenge emerged — moving between two nearby outer districts without going through the centre was really inefficient.
During the trip, we were staying in a suburb of Valencia, merely two kilometres from Mislata. On paper, it should be a quick trip with public transport. In practice, getting there meant either taking an inefficient and slow local bus or riding the metro inward almost to the city centre, then transferring back out to Mislata. It took about 25 minutes, almost the same time it takes on foot. That’s why in a workshop about transportation, me and the other youth ambassadors mostly just moved on foot.
The general problem is that even in walkable, well-connected areas, transit networks are often radial. City planners assume that all movement begins or ends in the centre. This not only creates inefficiencies and separates communities but pushes people toward using cars when they’re simply trying to get across town, not into it.
The same pattern, although less severe, exists in Budapest, and specifically in Zugló. While our city is crisscrossed by trams, trolleys, metros, and even suburban rail, traveling from one outer district to another can be frustrating. If you want to travel such ways, chances are you’ll end up transferring in the city centre.
What helps Budapest, and makes Zugló more resilient to this issue, are our radial tram lines, like Line 1, which acts like a transit ring around the city. Still, the challenge remains: true walkability and accessibility require more than good sidewalks and green spaces. We need thoughtful transport systems that connect people across urban space, not just into it.
Ultimately, building truly walkable and public transport-oriented cities means rethinking how we connect communities. Only then can sustainable mobility become a real and practical alternative for everyone.
[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:
