From Armenia to the Netherlands: A Journey of Climate Advocacy, Youth Participation and Connection

How It All Began

One day, while scrolling through LinkedIn, I came across a post from Youth & Environment Europe (YEE) for a fully funded training programme on the Rights to a Healthy Environment (RtHE) in Armenia. It immediately caught my attention.

I’ve always wanted to contribute to climate and social justice, youth empowerment, and storytelling through impactful communication. I love discovering new cultures and broadening my horizons. Without hesitation, I applied and was selected along with 25 other young people. 

Learning and connecting in Armenia

The training in Armenia immersed us in the global environmental challenges: rising temperatures, pollution, biodiversity loss, and the way these issues affect daily life. We explored how environmental rights connect to human rights & social justice, and how frameworks like the Aarhus Convention can empower communities. We also met inspiring local organisations, such as Armenian Progressive Youth in Yerevan, who showed us how education and grassroots action can transform and inspire a community.

But what made Armenia unforgettable was the atmosphere we built together: open, kind, and collaborative. Between interactive workshops, cultural visits, and meaningful conversations, I found myself surrounded by people who share the same passion for environmental justice. 

Building Our Advocacy Campaign – Rights to a Healthy Environment 

Once the training ended, our work continued. We stayed in touch and developed our local advocacy campaigns. With Nadia Waclawiak, I worked on the coal mine challenge in Silesia, Poland, the country’s most coal-dependent region. Coal still shapes the local economy, yet its environmental and health impacts are undeniable. Water contamination, natural radioactivity, mercury exposure, and lung and larynx cancers affect the lives of many communities.

Together, we created a campaign on Instagram (@silesian_project_rthe) to share relevant, accessible educational content and raise awareness about the RtHE. This was paired with a petition to local authorities calling for a fair transition to renewable energy.

Reuniting in Utrecht

Months later, we met again in Utrecht for the final Youth Symposium on the Right to a Healthy Environment. 

The symposium sessions were eye-opening and diverse, but two moments in particular stayed with me. The keynote by Dr. Julie Fraser shed light on the role of young people in shaping global climate decisions. It is also essential to raise the voice of small island states and developing countries in the Global South – some of the most vulnerable and affected communities in the world.

Another highlight was the presentation by Utrecht University law students. This session gave me valuable insights into legal frameworks, protocols, treaties, and conventions. One of the most remarkable presentations for me was Chapter 2: The Right to a Healthy Environment in an international and regional context, by Mathilde & Manrique from Utrecht University. I loved the comparative and global approach: we got to learn about the protection of the RTHE in the Americas, Africa, Asia, the Middle East and of course, Europe.

The symposium also allowed us to discover each other’s campaigns. I was blown away by the creativity and commitment of my peers – from projects on water preservation in the Netherlands to food waste in Albania, bee protection in Georgia, and heatwaves in Portugal. 

What I Learned

Looking back, this experience reinforced something I’ve always believed: environmental justice and social justice are inextricably connected. Protecting ecosystems means protecting vulnerable communities, livelihoods, and public health. And real change always begins with education and awareness. 

My personal reflections after the journey

Beyond everything I learned, the heart of this journey was the group itself. This cohort became more than participants – they became friends I truly admire. Thoughtful, motivated, curious, generous, and sincere, they made this experience unforgettable. I felt constantly inspired by their work and also their kindness.

Looking Forward: more adventures, connection and engagement for our planet

This journey has deepened my commitment to environmental protection, social justice, and youth participation – the causes closest to my heart. It reminded me of the power that emerges when young people come together with purpose, compassion, and curiosity, no matter where they come from. It also showed me that our engagement doesn’t end here – it lives on in every campaign, every conversation, every work we do and every choice we make in our everyday lives.

And so, the story doesn’t end in this chapter. It simply opens new doors, inviting me into new adventures ahead. For the planet, and for its people.