Do you wonder what can each one of us do for sustainability?

Are you environmentalist?

Do you want to join, care and take action for a more sustainable world?

Do you want to change your daily life, your work, your communities?

GOALS for 2030 was a learning experience to raise awareness about sustainability challenges, connect to nature, the people around us and our own inner motivation and support each other to take action for a better place. GOALS for 2030 aimed to address sustainability through objectives:

  • Youth understand multiple aspects of sustainability, make changes in their lives and support others to make changes in their lives;
  • Support youth to make projects more sustainable (including social, economic, environmental aspects);
  • Understand that sustainability challenges, such as climate change, are global, interdisciplinary and systemic and need collaboration worldwide to be tackled;
  • Create video tutorials about how to promote sustainable lifestyle to people and how to build mini initiatives about sustainability;
  • Help youth to create sustainable projects (an initiative that will tackle an issue like rubbish, air pollution, climate change) big or small in order to help others to become more sustainable, make changes in their life and create sustainable projects on their own;
  • Live in a simulative sustainable community for 10 days;
  • Design follow up activities in local communities of Spain, Czech Republic, Greece, Bulgaria, Italy and Lithuania or follow the project they designed during the project.

 

Watch on TikTok

Watch on TikTok

Day 1: We are all different and loving sustainability

Today 36 participants from Erasmus+ programme countries Italy Spain Greece Bulgaria Czech Republic Lithuania gathered for an incredible Youth exchange: GOALS for 2030: in Lithuania.

Are you familiar with Social Development Goals for 2030? Not yet? Continue to read to get to know more.

GOALS for 2030 is a learning experience to raise awareness about sustainability challenges, connect to nature, the people around us and our own inner motivation and support each other to take action for a better place.

United Nations (193 countries!) created and adopted 17 Social Development Goals for 2030. Did you know that it started in 1992 when UN developed first 8 Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to reduce extreme poverty by 2015. Since the programme proved to be valuable and impactful, it has been updated and extended.
We here also gathered to:
– dive into multiple aspects of sustainability, understanding from the roots;
– make projects more sustainable (including social, economic, environmental aspects) and support others to make changes in their lives;
– understand that sustainability challenges such as climate change are global, interdisciplinary and systemic and need collaboration worldwide to be tackled;
– create video tutorials about how to promote sustainable lifestyle to people and how to build mini initiatives about sustainability;
– create initiatives that will tackle sustainability issues of rubbish, air pollution, climate change, big or small;
– live in a simulative sustainable community;
– design activities in local communities.

Day 2: SDGs (Social Development Goals) of Erasmus+ youth exchange  GOALS for 2030: 

 Did you know that $2.15 / day / person (which is about $65/month/person) is defined currently as Extreme poverty limit?
 Did you know that the Goal is reduce the proportion of population living under such rate from 10.8% in 2015 to 6.5% by 2030?
We started not only to get to know each other more, but also getting to know the SDGs while exploring the local nature and architectural wonders. We crossed swamps, forests, rivers, used an old wooden bridge and observed an old church, made a fire, did even choreographies, drunk from the well. While doing this we completed a game that we had downloaded on a phone and learned about the SDGs itself. The working day finished reflecting upon day experiences. After another delicious evening meal we played Human Bingo prepared by one of Evening initiative teams. And even after this long day of bonding activities we had time and energy to prepare and organise a nice bonfire. We talked and laughed for long hours till we realised – there is a long and intensive programme ahead.

Day 3: Systems of sustainability of Erasmus+ youth exchange GOALS for 2030

According to the United Nations, 1 out of 11 persons in the World face hunger in 2023.
was spent gaining an understanding of the systems and the complexity around them. How we can be part of a system and influence its change. Through non-formal education and the learning-by-doing method, we were introduced to the SDGs and acquired information through experiential learning. Additionally, we learned about the SDG challenges in other countries. Finally, we learned about the culture of Bulgaria, enriching our overall experience.

Day 4: Climate Change and Solutions of Erasmus+ youth exchange  GOALS for 2030: 

Since 1880, average global temperatures have increased by about 1° Celsius. Global temperature is projected to warm by about 1.5° Celsius by 2050 and 2-4° Celsius by 2100 ☀️
Today, we split into six groups, each representing different global players – China, the US, India, developed countries, developing countries, and European nations – to simulate international climate negotiations. Our goal was to find solutions to the World’s environmental challenges through diplomacy and compromise. Surprisingly, despite the complexity of the discussions, we managed to reach agreements that led to a positive outcome, effectively “saving the world” through our negotiations. The World temperature is supposed to rise “just” 1.8° Celsius by 2100. The activity gave us valuable insight into the difficulties real-world leaders face when making climate-related decisions and showed us the importance of collaboration and strategic thinking.
In the evening, we shifted our focus to another crucial issue: gender equality. We had an engaging discussion, exchanging
perspectives on the progress that has been made and the challenges that still exist in different parts of the world. The
conversation made us reflect on our own experiences and the ways we can contribute to a more inclusive and fair
society.
To end the day, we participated in a survival-themed activity where we learned an unexpected but useful tip: always carry a mirror in case you get lost in the Atlantic Ocean. The mirror can be used to reflect sunlight and signal for help, a detail most of us had never considered. When we put our decision-making skills to the test in a survival scenario, it turned out that, based on our choices, most of us wouldn’t have made it. This realization made the activity both entertaining and incredibly informative, reminding us of the importance of thinking critically and being prepared for the unexpected.

Day 5: Starting on a personal project of Erasmus+ youth exchange  GOALS for 2030: 

SDG Goal 4 is to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. UN aims to increase attendance of the school on all levels:
Level 1: primary school attendance
Level 2: lower secondary attendance
Level 3: upper secondary attendance (pupils aged approximately 17-18 or 18-19)
Did you know that the LEVEL 3 completion rate is only 58% in 2021 Worldwide?
What can we do to create our sustainable place?
Can we do it for real or it’s just a fantasy?
These are few of the many questions we asked to ourselves in the Day 5 of this project. We started with a visualization of our permacultural town by using our drawing and team-building skills. 
Then we decided to make a step forward and think of an individual idea/project we would like to make real one day. The key words were Vision, Mission and Canva Model. 
We spend the afternoon asking how we can make our idea SMART, and we made a step forward helping each other to visualize our limits and the future opportunities.✅
We filled in all the questions to make our ideas real and then with an amazing Speed Dating we promoted to each other. We were Promoters of our Future, let’s see when this will happen, who knows maybe soon!
Ps. The Czech intercultural night was amazing!

Day 6: Going out to the community for inspiration of Erasmus+ youth exchange  GOALS for 2030: 

Sustainable Development Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) aims to “make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable”
Exploring Citizenship in Panevėžys 
Today, our field trip took us to Panevėžys, Lithuania’s 5th biggest city! ️ With 36 participants, we dived into the local community and visited 2 inspiring Youth Centres Panevėžio atviras jaunimo centras and PAVB Atvira Jaunimo Erdvė that create safe spaces for young people from 14 to 29 years old. From zen gardens to music rooms  there’s something for everyone! Afterwards we hiked to Pragiedruliai creativity centre, which sits right in the heart of the park.
But that’s not all—Panevėžys truly came to life on this vibrant Saturday afternoon! Families and friends gathered by the lake ️, enjoying simple moments together—an authentic taste of Lithuanian life.
Just a short 10-minute walk from the lake, we discovered a stunning Romanesque Catholic cathedral —a masterpiece of Lithuanian architecture! ✨
Beyond exploring, we’re embracing cultural exchange, learning from locals, and reflecting on how communities build sustainable futures. 

Day 7 Fundamentals and inspiration on personal level/take care of ourselves of Erasmus+ youth exchange  GOALS for 2030: 

SDG 3: “Good Health and Well-being” aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
Today, we kicked off the day with a professional psychologist Monika Gritėnaitė, diving deep into the connection between mental health and our everyday lives.  We explored mindfulness and how anxiety often stems from resisting our own thoughts and emotions. Through meditation techniques, we learned to identify our feelings and reconnect with ourselves on a deeper level. ‍♂️
Next, we got hands-on and discovered how easy it is to create natural hygiene products like bath salts and shower gel using simple household materials!  Our teams even filmed video tutorials to show that you don’t need to rely on store-bought products—DIY is the way to go! ✨
To wrap up the day, we embraced our creative side in a drawing workshop by Eimantas E-tis, allowing us to connect with our own and each other’s artistic expression. ️ It was a beautiful way to express emotions and share creativity in a fun, relaxed atmosphere!
A day full of growth, self-care, and creativity—what more could we ask for? ✨

Day 8 Take care of others/waste circular economy of Erasmus+ youth exchange  GOALS for 2030: 

Lets dive into SDG 15: “Life on land” and the fact that forests cover 30.7% of the world’s land area. 93% are natural forests and 7% are planted.
Among partner countries:
Spain: 37%
Bulgaria 36%
Lithuania 35%
Czech rep 35%
Italy 33%
Greece 30%
Today we had an amazing court roleplay containing 4 teams : Local People, The Toxic Company, The Jury and The Activists who try to shutdown the toxic company. We delved into the realities of Panevėžys town, which has issues with air polution. It was thrilling experience having to find common grounds so all sides can live together ethically. From having talks with representatives to having court like experience and as such, an unforgettable experience was gained.
But that is only first half of the day! During the second half participants made teams and expanded their future vision ideas as a bussiness opportunity. It was very rewarding, especially the feedback which was given and questions by coordinators or participants.
Overall today was day to develop our bussiness development skills combining it with ecology and participants future visions.
In the evening 2 countries (Lithuania and Spain) presented their countries with video presentation, language games, dances and food.

Day 9: Forming partnerships of Erasmus+ youth exchange  GOALS for 2030: 

The material footprint/capita in high-income countries is 10 times the level of low-income countries. The world is also seriously off track in its efforts to halve per capita food waste and losses by 2030.
In 2021, although 828 million people were facing hunger, 13.2% of the world’s food was lost after harvest along the supply chain from farm to consumer, hardly changed since 2016 and falling short of the target of substantially reducing post-harvest food losses by 2030.
Additional 17% of food is wasted at household, food service, and retail levels Worldwide?
Food waste (kg) per capita from 2021 to 2024 in our countries:
Lithuania 75 kg -> 13 kg (-83%)
Bulgaria 70 kg -> 26 kg (-63%)
Spain 75 kg -> 60 kg (-20%)
Czech Republic 71 kg -> 68 kg (-4%)
Greece 140 kg -> 89 kg (-36%)
Italy 68 kg -> 106 kg (+56%)
Day was related to SDG17: forming partnerships. We gathered into the project groups from day before, reflected on the feedback received and filled the joint canvas for our project ideas. For the next big part of the day a challenge to make a 2 minutes videos was launched. Dividing into roles, cooperating in teams led to 7 project presentations that were outstanding given time and resources limitations. Beside an evening desert from the chef, we also enjoyed another Lithuanian tradition – hot wooden barrel.

Day 10: Love and Care of Erasmus+ youth exchange  GOALS for 2030: 

Lets contemplate for a minute about the fact that globally, there are now (2020) 800 million people still without electricity, compared with 1.2 billion people in 2010, and what are the ways to get affordable and clean energy.
Today was a love and care day. It  reminds us that true progress happens when we come together, support one another, and work towards a common goal. It’s all about teamwork, friendships, and making a lasting impact! ” alt=”” width=”16″ height=”16″ data-src=”https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/tdb/2/16/1f4a1.png” />” alt=”” width=”16″ height=”16″ data-src=”https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/tb/2/16/1f499.png” />
On the last day of our project, we truly embodied this spirit of unity! ” alt=”” width=”16″ height=”16″ data-src=”https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t7f/2/16/1f31f.png” /> We finished everything we started ” alt=”✅” width=”16″ height=”16″ data-src=”https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/tb4/2/16/2705.png” />, making sure that every task, discussion, and effort was brought to a meaningful conclusion. As a final touch, we left sweet and thoughtful messages ” alt=”” width=”16″ height=”16″ data-src=”https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t96/2/16/1f48c.png” />” alt=”✨” width=”16″ height=”16″ data-src=”https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t75/2/16/2728.png” /> on each other’s backs—little notes of appreciation, encouragement, and gratitude that we could carry with us as reminders of the connections we had built.
One of the most exciting moments was revealing our “secret friends” ” alt=”” width=”16″ height=”16″ data-src=”https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t4d/2/16/1f3ad.png” />” alt=”” width=”16″ height=”16″ data-src=”https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t88/2/16/1f496.png” />—the people who had been silently supporting and looking out for us throughout the project. The room filled with laughter, surprise, and warm hugs ” alt=”” width=”16″ height=”16″ data-src=”https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t6f/2/16/1f602.png” />” alt=”” width=”16″ height=”16″ data-src=”https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t56/2/16/1f917.png” /> as we discovered who had been our secret supporter all along!
To wrap up the day, we sat down for a calm yet deeply emotional reflection ” alt=”” width=”16″ height=”16″ data-src=”https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t2f/2/16/1f305.png” />” alt=”” width=”16″ height=”16″ data-src=”https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t8e/2/16/1f4ad.png” />. We shared our experiences, thoughts, and feelings about the journey we had just completed. Some of us spoke about the friendships we had formed ” alt=”” width=”16″ height=”16″ data-src=”https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t3/2/16/1f91d.png” />” alt=”” width=”16″ height=”16″ data-src=”https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t37/2/16/1f49e.png” />, while others reflected on the lessons we had learned ” alt=”” width=”16″ height=”16″ data-src=”https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/te8/2/16/1f4da.png” />” alt=”✨” width=”16″ height=”16″ data-src=”https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t75/2/16/2728.png” /> and how much we had grown. It was a beautiful and heartfelt moment, filled with gratitude, nostalgia, and even a few happy tears ” alt=”” width=”16″ height=”16″ data-src=”https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t12/2/16/1f979.png” />” alt=”” width=”16″ height=”16″ data-src=”https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t8c/2/16/1f4ab.png” />.
As the project came to an end, we didn’t just walk away with knowledge and new skills ” alt=”” width=”16″ height=”16″ data-src=”https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t1b/2/16/1f9e0.png” />” alt=”” width=”16″ height=”16″ data-src=”https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t65/2/16/1f680.png” />—we left with stronger bonds, cherished memories, and a shared sense of purpose ” alt=”” width=”16″ height=”16″ data-src=”https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t88/2/16/1f496.png” />” alt=”” width=”16″ height=”16″ data-src=”https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/te0/2/16/1f30f.png” />. Though the journey had ended, the impact of our time together would stay with us forever ” alt=”” width=”16″ height=”16″ data-src=”https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t8c/2/16/1f4ab.png” />” alt=”” width=”16″ height=”16″ data-src=”https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t37/2/16/1f49e.png” />.
Departure day of Erasmus+ youth exchange ” alt=”” width=”16″ height=”16″ data-src=”https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/ta/2/16/1f333.png” /> GOALS for 2030: ” alt=”” width=”16″ height=”16″ data-src=”https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/tbd/2/16/1f33f.png” />
The moment arrived for ” alt=”” width=”16″ height=”16″ data-src=”https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t28/2/16/1f463.png” /> 36 participants from ” alt=”” width=”16″ height=”16″ data-src=”https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t18/2/16/1f1ee_1f1f9.png” /> Italy ” alt=”” width=”16″ height=”16″ data-src=”https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t93/2/16/1f1ea_1f1f8.png” /> Spain ” alt=”” width=”16″ height=”16″ data-src=”https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t94/2/16/1f1ec_1f1f7.png” /> Greece ” alt=”” width=”16″ height=”16″ data-src=”https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/tf5/2/16/1f1e7_1f1ec.png” /> Bulgaria ” alt=”” width=”16″ height=”16″ data-src=”https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/td8/2/16/1f1e8_1f1ff.png” /> Czech Republic ” alt=”” width=”16″ height=”16″ data-src=”https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t43/2/16/1f1f1_1f1f9.png” /> Lithuania to leave in the middle of the forests” alt=”” width=”16″ height=”16″ data-src=”https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/ta/2/16/1f333.png” /> in ” alt=”” width=”16″ height=”16″ data-src=”https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t43/2/16/1f1f1_1f1f9.png” /> Lithuania to return home and use the inspiration at home to create sustainable projects.
Erasmus+ youth exchange ” alt=”” width=”16″ height=”16″ data-src=”https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/ta/2/16/1f333.png” /> GOALS for 2030: ” alt=”” width=”16″ height=”16″ data-src=”https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/tbd/2/16/1f33f.png” />