Hold Your Breath: Young Environmental Leaders Gather in Milan to Tackle Air Pollution

In August 2025, representatives from Green Behavior Youth Organization joined young environmental leaders from Italy, Lithuania, Hungary, and Turkey for the Erasmus+ project “Hold Your Breath: Air Pollution (2025-1-IT03-KA153-YOU-000299023)” in Milan, Italy. The project took place from 9–15 August 2025 and focused on one of today’s most pressing environmental challenges — air pollution.

🌍 A Week of Learning, Sharing, and Action

Throughout the week, 40 youth workers aged 18–30 came together to deepen their understanding of air pollution, its sources, and its effects on both health and the environment. The sessions were designed to combine scientific learning, creativity, and leadership development.

Participants explored key environmental topics, including:

• The global impact of air pollution and climate change

• Health consequences of poor air quality

• Effective communication and awareness strategies

• Successful international examples of pollution reduction

Interactive workshops and discussions provided participants with tools to translate knowledge into community action. They also had the opportunity to explore Milan’s cultural and historical heritage, reinforcing the connection between sustainable living and appreciation for local environments.

💡 Empowering Future Leaders

Our Icelandic participants were particularly inspired by the emphasis on youth leadership and digital advocacy. During the social media workshop, they developed strategies to communicate environmental messages effectively and encourage behavior change through storytelling and online campaigns.

By the end of the project, all participants created personal and group action plans, outlining steps to raise awareness and reduce air pollution back home. These plans will guide their future initiatives and help spread sustainable practices throughout their communities.

🌱 A Lasting Impact

“Hold Your Breath” not only strengthened the participants’ environmental knowledge but also fostered a spirit of international cooperation. The friendships and networks built in Milan will serve as a foundation for future environmental collaborations across Europe.

Green Behavior Youth Organization is proud to have been part of this meaningful experience, empowering Icelandic youth to become advocates for a cleaner, healthier planet.

Inspiring Change Beyond Borders: Celebrating Learning and Future Cooperation 🎉

The final day of the Erasmus+ KA153 Mobility of Youth Workers project "Hold Your Breath: Air Pollution" (Project No. 2025-1-IT03-KA153-YOU-000299023) marked the successful conclusion of an inspiring week in Milan, Italy. Coordinated by Ecological Connection Community, the project brought together youth workers from Italy, Turkey, Hungary, Lithuania, and Iceland, with Green Behavior Youth Organization proudly contributing to this international learning experience. The closing activities celebrated the knowledge gained, partnerships established, and the commitment of participants to continue promoting environmental sustainability.

The programme included the final evaluation sessions, where participants reflected on their personal learning journeys, shared feedback on the mobility experience, and discussed recommendations for future Erasmus+ projects. Each participant completed their Youthpass Certificate, recognising the competences, knowledge, and skills they had developed throughout the project. 📖

Participants also enjoyed a cultural visit around Milan, discovering the city's historical landmarks while strengthening intercultural friendships built during the mobility. This experience highlighted the importance of cultural exchange within Erasmus+, demonstrating how environmental cooperation and intercultural dialogue complement one another in creating active European citizenship.

As the project came to an end, participants returned home equipped with stronger leadership skills, greater environmental awareness, enhanced communication competences, and practical action plans to address air pollution within their own communities. The partnerships established during "Hold Your Breath: Air Pollution" will continue beyond the project, supporting future international cooperation and empowering youth workers to inspire sustainable change across Europe. 🤝

From Ideas to Action: Designing Sustainable Solutions for the Future ✨

The fourth day of the Erasmus+ KA153 Mobility of Youth Workers project "Hold Your Breath: Air Pollution" (Project No: 2025-1-IT03-KA153-YOU-000299023) focused on transforming knowledge into practical action. Coordinated by Ecological Connection Community, the project continued in Milan, Italy, bringing together youth workers from Italy, Turkey, Hungary, Lithuania, and Iceland, including participants from Green Behavior Youth Organization. Through collaborative learning, participants worked on creating realistic solutions that could be implemented in their local communities.

Throughout the day, participants developed both individual and group action plans aimed at combating air pollution and encouraging sustainable lifestyles. Working in multicultural teams, they identified environmental challenges specific to their communities and designed initiatives that promote environmental awareness, citizen engagement, and long-term behavioural change. 🌱

Interactive workshops encouraged participants to apply the knowledge gained during previous sessions while strengthening their leadership, teamwork, and project planning skills. Discussions highlighted how youth workers can motivate local communities, schools, NGOs, and decision-makers to take an active role in improving air quality and supporting environmentally responsible practices. Participants also continued exchanging ideas and feedback to improve each proposed initiative.

The day concluded with reflection activities and evaluations, allowing participants to assess the practicality of their action plans and receive constructive feedback from their international peers. By the end of the session, every participant had developed concrete ideas that could be implemented after returning home, ensuring that the impact of the project would continue beyond the mobility itself. 🌍