During the summer of 2022, ŻAK Ħal Tarxien and Azione Cattolica San Severo held an exchange in Malta with the title of Id f'Id, discussing sustainability and post-Covid-19 rebuilding. This year, the second part of the exchange took place between 10 and 16 July. This time in San Severo, Italy, with the title ToGeThere, emphasising the significance of collective efforts to achieve the UN 2030 agenda. The event saw active participation from 41 young individuals, aged between 14 and 28, hailing from Malta and the Puglia region, Diocese of San Severo.
Throughout the week, the participants engaged in discussions revolving around various critical UN 2030 agenda goals, encompassing Goal 1 - No Poverty, Goal 10 - Reducing Inequalities, Goal 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities, Goal 13 - Climate Change, Goal 16 - Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions and Goal 17 - Sustainable Development.
The discussion commenced with Goal 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities, where participants conducted activities in Torremaggiore, Italy, by exploring the historical centre and the Torremaggiore castle, the Sacco and Vanzetti museum and the museum of De Sangro. Additionally, they visited Castel Fiorentino, the site of Emperor Frederick II's demise, concluding the day with a Cluedo-style game centred around the same historical event at Ducal Castle.
The following day's focus shifted to Goal 1 - No Poverty, where the pressing issue of school dropouts among 16-year-olds was thoroughly examined. The group explored local initiatives addressing this concern and met with representatives from the municipal administration of San Severo at Palazzo Celestini. Here, the mayor presented the social incubators project, which employs artistic tools to impart knowledge to youth. These art incubators foster a better understanding between educators and students, guiding the latter's holistic development. The exchange also welcomed the MSAC circle of the Vieste diocese, who presented the student movement of Catholic Action, and engaged in joint activities promoting active participation in school and work environments, covering topics such as fast fashion, climate change and mental health.
Another crucial topic addressed during the exchange was Goal 13 - Climate Change. Participants discussed ongoing European Union-funded initiatives in both Malta and Italy, aimed at tackling climate change and engaged in MSAC-led workshops on this pressing matter.
Towards the exchange's conclusion, Goal 16 - Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions as well as Goal 17 - Sustainable Development, were discussed, particularly regarding the issues of migration and exploitation. To gain insight into these concerns, the participants engaged in a tabletop game, Oro Rosso (Red Gold), and had dinner with various NGOs working in San Severo, witnessing the collaborative efforts towards achieving the UN 2030 agenda goals and beyond.
In conclusion, the exchange programme in San Severo provided a transformative experience for the participants, extending beyond discussions on the UN 2030 agenda. The exchange not only allowed them to delve into critical global issues but also facilitated a deep cultural, language and social exchange, creating a genuine European Union experience.
In the spirit of ToGeThere the participants left the exchange with a shared determination to make a difference, both locally and globally, contributing to the realisation of the UN 2030 agenda and beyond. Through their efforts and collaborations, they are demonstrating that meaningful change can be achieved when we come together as one, transcending boundaries and celebrating our shared humanity.