Youth for a Greener Tomorrow: WBAA Ignites Sustainable Action in Popova Shapka

From 24 to 27 April 2025, the breathtaking mountains of Popova Shapka in Macedonia echoed with the energy, creativity, and passion of young changemakers from the Western Balkans. The event, centred around Sustainable Development and Green Initiatives, offered participants an inspiring blend of learning, collaboration, and meaningful action towards building a more sustainable future. The four-day programme included engaging workshops, reflective sessions, and outdoor experiences led by Dr Milan Stojanovic PhD and guest facilitator Andjela Renovica.

The agenda featured a rich variety of interactive sessions aimed at stimulating critical thinking and promoting local impact. Participants explored key topics such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the importance of inner dialogue through the concept of Positive Gossip, and practical strategies for greener living. These sessions encouraged both personal reflection and collective responsibility.

A key element of the event was the presentation of WBAA, along with other Erasmus+ sister networks including EMA and OCEANS. Participants learned about the diverse opportunities offered by these networks, including avenues for engagement, leadership, and project development within the Erasmus+ community. The presence of current WBAA members alongside potential new members fostered meaningful exchanges of experience, inspiration, and ideas.

Among the most impactful moments was the plogging activity. Combining physical movement with environmental responsibility, this group action involved jogging while collecting litter along the mountain trails. It not only improved the local environment but also symbolised the participants’ dedication to sustainability. Plogging stood out as a practical and symbolic act, reminding everyone that small steps can lead to lasting change.

Participants also collaborated in group workshops, where they co-created innovative project ideas focused on sustainability. These ideas were later pitched to facilitators and peers, sparking constructive discussions on how WBAA initiatives can evolve to be greener, more inclusive, and more impactful. Proposals included digital sustainability toolkits, eco-conscious mobility solutions, and youth-led awareness campaigns, showcasing the creative potential of this new generation.

Through a powerful mix of nature, dialogue, meditation, and teamwork, the Popova Shapka gathering demonstrated the unique role alumni networks like WBAA can play in driving regional cooperation and sustainable development. Participants left the event not only with valuable knowledge and skills but also with renewed motivation and a shared sense of purpose to create positive change in their communities and beyond.

Tetovo, Macedonia, 04 May 2025.
Dejan Galovski, dejan.galovski@western-balkans-alumni.eu
Edited by the Erasmus+ Support Service Team