Med Youth Lab 2025: Youth across the Mediterranean are gathering in Tirana
29 September – 2 October 2025, Tirana – The city of Tirana, Albania, hosted the 2nd edition of the UfM Med Youth Lab, where 58 young leaders from 14 Euro-Mediterranean countries came together to exchange, connect and co-create solutions for a more inclusive, sustainable and united region.
The event was organised by the UfM with the support of German Development Cooperation (GIZ), in partnership with Anna Lindh Foundation, European Institute of the Mediterranean , and Euro-Mediterranean University of Fes and with the support of the Albanian Ministry of State for Youth and Children and the National Youth Agency of Albania.
Building on the success of the first edition in Fes (2024), this year’s Lab once again proved the power of youth to drive dialogue and cooperation across the Mediterranean.
From online training to hands-on collaboration
The 2025 programme combined online training over the summer with four days of workshops in Tirana. Participants worked in diverse teams to design innovative projects around three key themes: Youth & Climate Adaptation, Youth from Education to Work, and Youth in Peacebuilding.
Beyond classroom learning, participants liaised with local youth and innovation organisations in Tirana, drawing inspiration from community-led initiatives and exchanging with practitioners on the ground.
Final pitch event: Ideas in Motion
The programme culminated on 2 October with the UfM Med Youth Lab Final Pitch Event, which brought together a total 95 participants. During the event, 12 teams presented their projects before a diverse audience, including representatives of the regional and local CSOs, youth networks, academia, private sector, as well as alumni of the first edition of the initiative.
A multidisciplinary jury played a central role: listening to each presentation, providing constructive feedback, and selecting three project teams that will receive a tailored, online mentorship by the Innovation Centre of the Euro-Mediterranean University of Fes (UEMF). Their expertise ensured that participants received both recognition for their creativity and practical guidance to strengthen their projects.
For the first time, the UfM Med Youth Lab also featured an Opportunities Fair, a dedicated space where a total of 20 regional institutions, CSOs, and initiatives showcased their activities, connecting directly with participants and exploring collaboration and funding pathways. Among them were the Child & Youth Rights Centre Albania, Young Peacebuilders of Turkey, Euromed University of Fes – Innovation Center, MENA Hackathons, INTRACT Innovation, European Food Safety Authority, Next Generation Climate Board – Global Greengrants Fund, and the Woman Center for Development Culture AL, along with several other regional and international actors.
Youth driving change
By combining skills training, peer collaboration, local inspiration, and opportunities for direct engagement with stakeholders, the UfM Med Youth Lab 2025 once again highlighted the creativity and determination of youth in shaping a more sustainable, inclusive, and peaceful Euro-Mediterranean future.
