Finnish student representatives co‑creating a manifesto for climate action in Rome
While TCA seminars are typically aimed at staff representatives of organisations, this event placed a strong emphasis on student voices. Ekaterina Klimkova and Akseli Kovanen were selected to contribute to the discussions and the development of a joint vision for climate action.
Below, they share their experiences from the seminar – reflecting both on the collaborative process and on what sustainability means from their own perspectives.
From ideas to action together
Author: Ekaterina Klimkova, Jamk University of Applied Sciences
I honestly never thought I would end up in Rome in the nearest future… but I did – and I’m grateful to say I was there with a purpose. I wanted to show that participating in Erasmus+ events is not impossible — even without majoring in environmental science and doing activism with no “profound knowledge”, I was selected as one of only two representatives from Finland and was able to make a real impact at the event. It was more than a professional development opportunity or “Look, mom, I’m going to see the Colosseum”. It was an immersion into youth work and European collaboration on environmental action.
I knew the seminar would bring together people who share the same concerns and passion towards sustainability, and I was not disappointed when I arrived at Villaggio della Terra. Students of almost every discipline possible, supported by youth workers and project coordinators from across Erasmus+ countries – a dynamic intercultural exchange at its purest.
I especially liked how the broad “Climate Change” concern was turned into a tangible roadmap for action. The seminar was not a lecture, but a laboratory of ideas proposed by the future of Europe – us.
We were welcomed by motivating speeches from figures such as the Minister of the Environment, the Mayor of Rome, Erasmus+ INDIRE representatives and Earth Day Network speakers. However, the main focus was on collaborative workshops.
One of the most memorable activities was the “Climate Fresk”, which helped us explore the environmental situation, its causes and impacts in a hands-on way. I can’t think of a better method to understand what is actually going on.
Then it was time to dream. We imagined reusable materials, clean energy, plant-based diets, sustainable education, and stronger Erasmus+ networks. Through peer-to-peer discussions, we worked on making these ideas more achievable. It was intense but rewarding, especially knowing that our ideas were documented and will be presented to the European Commission at the UN climate conference.
The seminar boosted my networking and presentation abilities, as well as my environmental literacy. I gained a clearer understanding of climate change processes and increased my awareness of how Erasmus+ integrates youth into green policies aligned with EU goals. Working in diverse teams also taught me how to negotiate ideas across linguistic and cultural differences. It was challenging to choose the “best” ideas when all felt important.
One moment stood out: being asked how I would promote veganism to someone strongly rooted in a meat-based culture. It made me realise the importance of communicating sustainability in a sensitive way – not only to those who agree, but especially to those just starting their journey towards greener habits.
The Rome TCA is an experience you truly need as an environmental or human rights activist. At the same time, it offered a more positive perspective: while social media often spreads worrying news, it is important to see real examples of European youth cooperation and unity.
I returned home not just with a new notebook, but with a network and a renewed commitment to ensuring that the next generation continues this work – not just cleaning up what was left behind, but building something better.
Beyond systems – learning from different perspectives
Author: Akseli Kovanen, Metropolia University of Applied Sciences
When I arrived in Rome for the Erasmus+ TCA seminar The Erasmus Generation for the Earth, I thought I had a clear understanding of sustainability.
Working across supply chains, organizational development and collaboration between public, private and third sectors, I am used to thinking about sustainability through systems: governance, procurement, logistics, circular economy and long-term planning. These are, without question, essential building blocks of the green transition.
What I did not fully appreciate was how differently sustainability is experienced across Europe.
Over two days, more than one hundred Erasmus+ students from diverse backgrounds worked together to develop a shared vision for climate action, culminating in the Manifesto of the Erasmus+ Generation for the Earth. While the manifesto itself is an important outcome, the conversations behind it were equally valuable.
As a participant representing Finnish higher education, I was struck by how often our discussions revealed different starting points rather than different goals.
In the Nordic countries, sustainability is often discussed through institutions and systems. We tend to focus on measurable outcomes, policy frameworks and practical implementation. Many participants from other parts of Europe approached the topic from a different angle. For them, sustainability was first and foremost about social inclusion, democratic participation and ensuring that no one is left behind in the transition.
And here’s the catch: neither perspective is sufficient on its own. Climate targets without public engagement struggle to gain legitimacy. At the same time, participation without implementation risk remaining symbolic.
This is where international cooperation creates its value. Bringing together people from different countries, cultures and educational backgrounds does not merely broaden perspectives; it improves the quality of solutions.
Complex challenges such as climate change cannot be addressed by a single sector, discipline or nation. They require collaboration across all of them.
The discussions in Rome also challenged a common misconception about youth participation. Too often, young people are invited to contribute after decisions have already been made. The students I met were not asking to be heard as a symbolic gesture. They wanted to be involved in shaping the decisions themselves. That distinction matters.
The Erasmus+ programme is often associated with mobility and international experiences. Those remain important. But in a time defined by interconnected global challenges, its deeper value may lie elsewhere; creating environments where young Europeans learn to work across differences and build solutions together. In Rome, I saw a generation that is not waiting for the future to arrive. It is already helping to shape it.