UfM Med Youth Lab 2025 in Tirana: youth at the center
Between 28 October and 2 November 2025, Tirana hosted the second edition of the UfM Med Youth Lab. Bringing together young people from across the Mediterranean, the Lab combined online training with hands-on workshops, all focused on empowering youth to design projects centered on climate, employability, and peacebuilding. This article takes a closer look at the program, its impact, and why such initiatives matter for our future.
The Med Youth Lab 2025 began online, where around 65 participants aged 18–30 took part in a blend of live sessions and self-paced learning. They explored topics ranging from project development and intercultural communication to practical exercises on needs assessment. This virtual stage built a common foundation, preparing participants for the week in Tirana.
When the in-person workshops opened in Albania’s cultural landmark, Piramida, the energy shifted. Young people were divided into teams to refine their project ideas. They worked on stakeholder mapping, problem analysis, budgeting, and risk planning—always with a clear focus on real challenges: climate adaptation, the transition from education to work, and peacebuilding. Evening intercultural gatherings and reflection circles reminded everyone that beyond skills, the Lab was also about building human connections.
From Ideas to Action
The highlight of the program came on November 2nd, when teams pitched their proposals to a jury of UfM stakeholders and partners. The atmosphere was part competition, part celebration: every team had a voice, and every idea had a chance. Some projects will now move into a mentorship program with the EuroMed Innovation Center, opening doors for growth and support.
The presence of diverse partners—the German Development Cooperation, Anna Lindh Foundation, IEMed, UEMF, and Albania’s Ministry of Youth—underlined that this was not just a training, but a collective investment in young Mediterranean talent.
Voices from the Lab
“Participating in the UfM Med Youth Lab 2025 in Tirana was an inspiring experience that brought together passionate youth from across the Mediterranean. Our team developed The Green Hydrogen Med Youth Hub, a project aimed at increasing young people’s knowledge and engagement in green hydrogen careers to accelerate the region’s energy transition. Through expert mentoring and teamwork, I learned how collaboration and innovation can drive real change and strengthened my commitment to empower youth and promote sustainable solutions for a greener Mediterranean future.”
— Mouhoubi Mouhammed Elmaki, Algeria
I took part in the UfM Med Youth Lab 2025. The idea was great: bringing young people from all Mediterranean countries together in one place to share ideas and discuss common problems so we can find solutions. During the event, we spent several days working on projects that address three main themes: climate change, the transition from education to work, and peacebuilding. These are big topics that need a lot of effort, but our teams, each with members from different countries and backgrounds, came up with really strong and creative ideas. Networking and building relationships were an amazing opportunity. We met young people from many backgrounds, shared stories and experiences, and learned what each of us can contribute. It was also a beautiful chance to explore Albania, a lovely country with rich culture and walkable neighborhoods. Overall, the experience was inspiring and made me want to do my best for my community and myself.
— Ala Khayrullah, Libya
A Shared Future
Looking back, what stands out from Tirana is not just the creativity of the proposals or the depth of the sessions — it’s the trust placed in young people to lead meaningful change.
Initiatives like the Med Youth Lab are not endpoints; they are launchpads. They equip young leaders with the skills, confidence, and networks to return home and take action. More importantly, they reaffirm a powerful truth: when youth are given the space to lead, they don’t just participate — they transform their communities.
In Tirana, that message echoed clearly across every conversation, every idea, and every shared moment. The future of the Mediterranean is being shaped by its youth — and it’s brighter than ever.
UfM Med Youth Lab 2025 in Tirana: youth at the center
