Written by Debora Kolgegaj, Young European Ambassador from Albania

From 13 to 17 November, I, Ada, Artina, Bogdan and Ivan had the chance to be in Nice, France, for the 4th edition of the Mediterranean Youth Academy, an opportunity that felt both inspiring and eye-opening. Being surrounded by young people from all around the Mediterranean reminded me how much diversity, passion, and potential our region holds. This year’s focus on climate action, gender equity and transformation, and youth employment made the experience even more meaningful, because these are not just abstract topics, they are challenges we all live with in our countries, our communities, and sometimes even in our personal lives.

As a Young European Ambassador, I chose gender equity & transformation as my working group while the other YEAs were divided according to their interests. Whether we were talking about how education systems should promote climate awareness, how governments can support gender equality, or how to create fairer opportunities for young workers, everyone contributed in something unique and applicable to our countries. These conversations didn’t feel forced or theoretical,  they felt real, honest, and rooted in our shared desire to shape a better future.

We were guided by experts who didn’t just lecture, but helped us think strategically. Step by step, Prof. Matthias Waechter (Director General at Centre International de Formation Européenne) taught us how to build a strong policy brief, how to turn an idea into a realistic plan, and how to design strategies that could actually be implemented. I especially appreciated the extra training on programs like Erasmus+ with the help of Mr. Yassine Zarouk and the other forms of cooperation for initiatives facilitated by Mr. Alejandro Lafarga Martinez (Programme Officer en INTERREG NEXT MED Programme Branch Office Western Mediterranean) and Ms. Elisabetta Necco (Quality Assurance and Civil Society Manager), because they showed us how many opportunities exist for young people if we know where to look and how to use them.

Being in Nice as co-partners of this year’s academy made me feel proud of what we, as YEAs, represent. We weren’t just participants, we were contributors. We had the chance to share the spirit of our communication program, express our values, and show what the YEA network stands for: connection, cooperation, and a commitment to positive change. It was a chance to demonstrate our energy, our creativity, and our belief in inclusion and European values, and I think we truly delivered on that note.

By the end of the academy, what we created felt genuinely rewarding: clear, practical, and meaningful policy briefs that addressed real problems affecting Mediterranean youth. But beyond the final documents, the experience itself changed us. We left with better skills, wider perspectives, and stronger motivation to continue our work. For me, the Mediterranean Youth Academy was more than an event, it was a reminder of how powerful young voices can be when we come together with purpose and hope.