From June 17 to 19, 2025, the city of Potenza welcomed the final stage of the YESDGs project. The event brought together over 40 young people and youth workers from various European countries, united by a shared desire to take action for change.
For three days, Potenza became a dynamic laboratory of ideas, dialogue, and collaboration—a place where sustainability was translated into concrete action, thanks to the commitment of young participants and the support of local partners.
On June 17 and 18, participants took part in a collaborative Hackathon that led to the creation of the YESDGs Manifesto—a collective document filled with innovative proposals to tackle climate change and promote the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Through a creative and participatory process, the teams developed practical and replicable solutions to today’s environmental and social challenges, showing how non-formal education can truly empower young people to become active citizens.
On June 19, the final conference was held at the Palace of Culture in Potenza, attended by institutional representatives and local stakeholders. The event featured inspiring local projects and best practices, including:
- “Orienta Sport” – promoting health and well-being (Matteo Schiavo)
- “Barriere ZERO” – toward a more inclusive city (Flavio Olita)
- Responsible consumption strategies and climate action (Giuseppe Aveta)
The highlight of the event was the official presentation of the YESDGs Manifesto and the award ceremony for the winning Hackathon team, recognized for the originality and effectiveness of their proposal.
The YESDGs project doesn’t end here: the educational materials developed during the project will be shared across Europe, tested with new youth groups aged 16–30, and used to enhance skills, entrepreneurial spirit, and transnational cooperation.
With YESDGs, education for sustainability becomes a driving force for transformation—capable of generating impact and building bridges between territories, cultures, and generations.
