The fifth Union Civil Protection Knowledge Network Series explored youth engagement in emergency preparedness, highlighting how youth programmes, like Erasmus + and European Solidarity Corps (ESC), help young people build crucial skills to manage hazards and crises effectively.
Youth action in Preparedness took place last 24 April 2025 at the Directorate General for Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO), with speakers from Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture (DG EAC), the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM), the Amazing Youth Organisation, and the Fire University of Poland. The event focused on Youth involvement in disaster preparedness following the adoption of the Preparedness Union Strategy (PUS).
Recent surveys have shown that youth demonstrate higher disaster preparedness and engagement compared to older age groups, significantly influenced by the ESC programmes promoting youth participation in disaster risk reduction.
Pierre Seailles, from DG EAC B.3 - Youth and Volunteer Solidarity, outlined opportunities within the ESC emphasising impact-driven projects. Although the programme doesn’t have a set budget, it maintains rigorous standards for selecting projects and participants. Eligible applicants, typically up to 30 years old (or 35 in some cases), must be part of organisations that meet specific criteria, including obtaining a quality label, which ensures adherence to high standards and project viability.
When emergency appears, you don't have the mental clarity, and you need adequate skills to face it.
Dimitris Maniatakos, from Amazing Youth, presented the "Do, Don’t Look" project in Greece, which focuses on practical emergency preparedness in rural communities. The initiative teaches essential emergency skills, such as using defibrillators, and provides resources for timely interventions. The program places a strong emphasis on community preparedness through research, training, and local engagement. Despite initial trust challenges, the project’s scope highlights the effectiveness and inclusive grassroots efforts, reaching diverse populations, including the elderly and those without prior training.
Preparedness is on our DNA.
Sian Bagshaw from WOSM explained how the Scouts support emergency preparedness through soft skills, community engagement, and practical approaches. Although the Scout Movement is not primarily a humanitarian organisation, its deep-rooted connection with nature equips it for unique contributions to emergency response activities. Sian also presented a roadmap promoting immediate action with sustainable impacts, fostering resilience and adaptability.
Jolanta Niedźwiecka, from the Fire University of Poland, presented the Erasmus+ funded initiative "Needs-based education and studies in societal security" (NEEDS). She emphasised the programme’s accessibility beyond traditional universities, and its integration of societal security into educational curricula. By doing so, the project inspires not only academic growth but also practical partnerships and new educational modalities such as summer schools. The Fire University in Warsaw exemplifies this by combining technical training with community engagement.
The series underlined the importance of integrating both formal and informal educational initiatives, like Erasmus+ and ESC, to foster skills and cooperation among young people.
These programs not only equip youth with the expertise needed for effective disaster risk reduction but also instil a sense of global citizenship and shared responsibility. The event's discussions highlighted the value of harnessing digital tools to extend the reach of these educational resources, ensuring that knowledge is accessible to all, regardless of geographical limitations.
In the face of recent global crises, which often drive people toward individualism, young people have consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to volunteering and community action, highlighting their crucial role in building community resilience. The essence of youth action in preparedness remains a powerful force, capable of driving substantial change and fortifying community bonds.
For those who missed the event, presentations and recordings are available online at the UCPM Knowledge Series. The next session scheduled for September, will further explore preparedness from different angles.
Many participants found the content highly beneficial, primarily attracting individuals actively engaged with youth groups. Most of them have encountered the concept of preparedness at school, indicating a growing awareness. Moreover, many attendees identified games and sports as their favourite activities within their youth groups, highlighting the importance of interactive and engaging formats.
Looking ahead, there is considerable interest in topics such as:
Participants have indicated that interactive workshops and webinars are the preferred platforms for these discussions. This feedback will guide the development of future episodes to better meet the needs and interests of the audience.
Thematic series