Aims: Young people contribute to the green transition.

Description: The planet faces a climate crisis that is unprecedented in human history. If measures to drastically reduce the current emissions of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere are not implemented, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) forecasts that by 2100 global temperature rise will reach 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, resulting in a devastating impact on our species and planet. Europe, as one of the most industrialized and technologically advanced areas of the globe, plays a crucial role in leading the transition towards a greener and more sustainable world. As a youth organization that aims at having an impact on European current affairs through policy and advocacy, and at forming active and aware citizens, AEGEE needs to be involved in one of the most relevant policy topics of the upcoming years. Through this Focus Area, AEGEE educates young people and empowers them to practice active citizenship in order to contribute to the green transition, understood as the individual and collective measures that need to be taken to prevent an environmental catastrophe.

Definition of success:
• Young people in Europe are aware of the climate emergency and are committed and empowered to be part of the green transition.
• Young people advocate for the green transition movement towards both the general public and the decision-makers on local, national and European levels.
• AEGEE members organize and participate in events and activities to contribute to the green transition

Aim: Young people act against mental health stigmatization and support mental well-being.

Description: Mental health is a state of personal well-being in which every individual realizes their own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to their community (definition by the WHO). For this reason, the topic of mental health is closely related to the mission of AEGEE to empower young people to actively contribute to society and to develop their personality to the fullest. Moreover, mental health problems affect everyone and especially young people. Up to 1 in 5 young people in the European Union live with psychological or behavioral problems. What is more worrying, mental illness is still stigmatized which may result in exclusion and in the creation of additional social and health problems. In order to positively contribute to the self-development of young people, AEGEE needs to tackle the topic of mental wellbeing, promote awareness and offer support networks and tools. More attention to mental well-being and a safer space inside AEGEE would also increase the overall performance and satisfaction of AEGEE members.

Definition of success:
• Awareness and knowledge regarding mental well-being is increased.
• AEGEE builds safe spaces, support networks, and provides the tools necessary to be aware of and take care of mental well-being.
• AEGEE actively works on policy and advocacy on the topic of mental health.

Aim: Young people advocate for democracy and human rights as well as European unity and diversity.

Description: The youth is not well-informed about political realities across Europe. Political youth participation is low, even though it is up to them to shape the future. Not enough young people are prepared to take a stand and to actively contribute to decisionmaking processes. AEGEE, with its purpose to empower students and young people in Europe to take an active role in society, has always been a political organization and needs to continue being a relevant change-driver in the field of political activism in Europe. By advocating and informing about the different political realities and reacting to current political ongoings, AEGEE can enable the youth to defend and strengthen democracy and human rights, as well as improving European unity and diversity.

Definition of success:
• Young people are politically informed and know how to advocate for their values.
• Young people are active and participate in political processes at local, regional and/or European level.
• AEGEE takes clear stands on pressing political issues.

Aim: Young people are aware of discrimination based on place of origin, gender, sexual orientation, and disabilities, and take action to promote equity from an intersectional perspective.

Description: AEGEE strives for a diverse, borderless and democratic Europe, and respect for diversity is at the very core of AEGEE’s identity. For this reason, AEGEE cannot ignore the fact that human rights violations still happen in Europe, and many people still face discrimination and social exclusion on several grounds. As a youth association that is actively shaping the future of Europe, AEGEE must raise awareness, position itself and take action to tackle discrimination from an intersectional perspective, with the aim of promoting social equity. At the same time, AEGEE cannot focus on all forms of discrimination and exclusion at once. Therefore this focus area engages with discrimination based on place of origin, gender, sexual orientation and disabilities.

Definition of success:
• AEGEE has fostered awareness, critical thinking and empathy in relation to discrimination among young people.
• AEGEE has taken clear positions in favor of social inclusion and presents them towards decision-makers.
• AEGEE provides tools to tackle discrimination based on place of origin, gender, sexual orientation, and disabilities.