Youth for Energy Futures programme 2025
Application open
Virage Energie x Heinrich Böll Foundation
PROJECT PRESENTATION
With the Youth for Energy Futures programme, Virage Énergie and the Heinrich Böll Foundation are giving young adults from France, Germany and Italy the opportunity to discover the challenges of the ecological and energy transition in Europe. The aim of the programme is to train and network future decision-makers and influencers of public opinion so that they can become ambassadors for a fairer and greener society.
This year’s edition focuses on the links between gender equality and the energy transition. On one hand, participants will discover inspiring examples of how the energy transition can be an opportunity to fight social inequalities, including gender (feminist city planning, green gender budgeting, etc.). On the other hand, they will also learn how poor policy design can exacerbate gender inequalities, by reproducing or deepening existing problems caused by structural inequalities, such as energy and transport poverty.
This will be achieved through a webinar with experts and a study trip to Freiburg (Germany) and Strasbourg (France). The programme of the study trip includes e.g. meetings with local decision-makers, researchers and civil society players, members of the European Parliament, and visits of inspiring projects.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
The project starts in September with an online workshop where participants will be able to find out about the interdependencies between gender equality and the energy transition. The study trip to Freiburg and Strasbourg will take place from 19th to 24th of October.
The travelling, accommodation and catering fees will be fully covered by the organizers of the project. The participation is entirely free for the participants. In return, the participants agree to contribute to the program by creating a podcast based on what they will have learnt during the study trip.
Accommodation will be in a private non-mixed dormitory (with 2 other participants of the programme of the same gender).
APPLICATION PROCESS
The project is intended for young adults (20 to 29 years old) living in France, Germany and Italy.
We are looking for participants interested in the energy and ecological transitions, social justice issues and intercultural exchange. Good English skills are necessary to follow the programme and to make sure that communication is possible between all participants.
To submit your application, send a curriculum vitae and a cover letter (both in English) to contact@virage-energie.org
PROJECT ORGANIZERS
Specialized in energetic and societal projection, the NGO Virage Énergie realizes science awareness-building and decision-making tools since 2006. Furthermore, Virage Énergie supports public actors in the definition of strategies to create a sufficient and sustainable society. Based in France, Virage Énergie also contributes to the elaboration of European cooperation project on energy and climate issues.
The Heinrich Böll Foundation which has its premises in Berlin is one of the main German political foundations. As a think tank for green visions and projects, it disposes of a worldwide network with over 35 international offices and promotes exchange and cooperation on the issue of just ecological transition, especially between civil society actors. The Heinrich Böll Foundation’s Paris office contributes to the strengthening of French-German, Italian-German and European cooperation.