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Energy poverty is often discussed in terms of policies and numbers, but seeing how it is approached in different local contexts can completely change how you understand it. During the CLYMACT exchange in Athens, I experienced first-hand how learning from others, and learning together, can deepen both awareness and responsibility when it comes to energy poverty.
This time, the Greek team hosted the exchange in Athens.The first day took place at the 1st Recycling and Environmental Education Park in Agioi Anargyroi-Kamatero. The setting felt meaningful. Hundreds of students visit this space daily to learn about environmental practices, making sustainability education tangible for the community.
Representatives from Greece, Hungary, Italy, Spain, and Croatia then presented how energy poverty appears in their countries. I represented Hungary together with my team, sharing experiences connected to the GiLE Foundation and the Municipality of Zugló in Budapest. Despite different national contexts, a common issue kept emerging. Many households affected by energy poverty remain unsupported, often because of limited awareness, funding barriers, or lack of trust in institutions.
Hearing these similarities across countries made it clear that energy poverty is not only a local issue. The exchange itself became a form of knowledge spillover, helping us better understand our own challenges by seeing them reflected elsewhere.
One of the most insightful moments came from learning about the REVERTER project implemented in the Municipality of Agioi Anargyro- Kamatero. Coordinated by Professor Dimitris Damigos, the project focuses on understanding real household energy needs and building practical pathways to reduce vulnerability to energy poverty.
What stood out to me was how the project combines research, municipal planning, and direct engagement with residents. Cooperation with organisations like EKPIZO, a consumer association focused on quality of life, showed how legal support, trust, and clear communication play a crucial role alongside technical solutions.
For us as the Hungarian group, this was particularly valuable. It offered a concrete example of how municipalities can design energy related programs based on lived realities. This kind of learning would not have been possible without being there, listening, and exchanging ideas.
On the second day, we moved from presentations to collaboration. Mixed groups were formed, with participants from different countries working together on topics such as energy poverty, technology, and the role of youth. These discussions were not about finding one perfect solution, but about understanding problems from multiple perspectives.
What I found most inspiring was how naturally ideas developed through dialogue. Knowledge was not transferred in a top-down way, but shaped collectively. This experience reinforced my belief that youth are not just participants in conversations about energy poverty, but active connectors between local experience and broader change.
Looking back, Athens showed me that knowledge spillover is not abstract. It happens when young people meet, listen, and reflect together. In a field where many challenges remain invisible, this shared learning can be a powerful step toward more inclusive and effective responses to energy poverty.
[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: