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Energy poverty is often discussed through numbers and indicators, such as energy expenditure or the inability to adequately heat a home. While useful, these measures frequently miss people who fall outside eligibility criteria or who never apply for support. For municipalities, this makes energy poverty a difficult issue to identify and address directly, as it largely remains hidden behind household doors.
During our visit to Athens, this challenge became clear through the work of the municipality of Agioi Anargyroi–Kamatero. The municipality began by addressing energy poverty indirectly, focusing on upgrading public buildings, particularly schools, due to clearer governance structures and available financing mechanisms, while also gathering data through walk-in quantitative assessments. Schools, in particular, act as visible and socially accepted spaces where energy interventions can be demonstrated, helping normalise energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions within the community. This focus on sustainable public infrastructure was also reflected in our visit to the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre, an inspiring architectural piece. Operating on 100% renewable energy and incorporating advanced water and energy management systems, the centre demonstrated what near-zero greenhouse gas emissions can look like in practice.
At the same time, discussions in Athens highlighted a persistent gap: many households experiencing energy poverty remain unreached due to limited awareness, funding constraints and issues related to privacy and distrust in governmental assistance. Programs such as CLYMACT show how youth engagement can strengthen municipal capacity through cross-border cooperation and exchanging approaches. This creates an entry point for youth involvement beyond awareness-raising, enabling them to support municipalities and NGOs in delivery. With proper support and training, young people can act as energy navigators, helping municipalities communicate more effectively, reach vulnerable groups, and support participation in local energy initiatives.
Youth involvement can also support low-cost, practical interventions with immediate impact, such as LED replacements, draught-proofing, smart plugs, or basic insulation improvements. The municipality’s smart public lighting project, which reduced energy consumption across the road network by 77%, demonstrates how targeted efficiency measures can deliver significant results at scale.
Rather than offering a single solution, the experience in Athens highlighted the layered nature of energy poverty governance. Municipalities often act where intervention is most feasible, such as schools, public buildings and quantitative assessments, laying the groundwork for broader engagement. Strengthening the connection between these visible actions and households experiencing energy poverty remains a challenge, where youth have the potential to play a more active role in bridging municipal action and community needs.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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: