YES-MED Call for Participants 2026: International Youth Empowerment Programme for Mediterranean Youth in Social and Solidarity Economy

Young people across the Mediterranean region now have the opportunity to participate in the transformative YES-MED Project 2026, an international initiative focused on youth empowerment, employability, entrepreneurship, social innovation, and sustainable development. The project, officially titled Youth Employment in Solidarity – Mixing Experiences and Diversity (YES-MED), aims to strengthen the socio-economic integration of young people by equipping them with practical skills, international exposure, and opportunities within the Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) sector.

The YES-MED project is designed for young individuals aged 18 to 35 from six Mediterranean countries and offers an engaging learning journey that combines training, networking, entrepreneurship, international cooperation, sustainability, and youth-led action.

With a focus on creating socially responsible employment opportunities and fostering sustainable community development, YES-MED will engage 120 young participants in a dynamic training and mobility programme between September and October 2026.

What is the YES-MED Project?

The YES-MED Project is an international youth empowerment initiative implemented by seven partner organizations across the Mediterranean region. The project seeks to create stronger pathways for youth employment and active participation in society through Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) models and international cooperation.

The initiative recognizes the growing need for sustainable employment opportunities for youth while also addressing social inclusion, environmental responsibility, entrepreneurship, and community resilience.

Through a comprehensive training pathway and mobility opportunities, YES-MED aims to empower young people to become active changemakers capable of designing and implementing impactful initiatives in their local communities and beyond.

Participating Countries

The YES-MED project is open to young people from the following Mediterranean countries:

• Italy
• France
• Spain
• Tunisia
• Morocco
• Lebanon

Participants from these countries will collaborate in an intercultural and international learning environment that promotes diversity, inclusion, cooperation, and shared experiences.

Main Objective of the YES-MED Programme

The overall goal of the YES-MED initiative is to strengthen the socio-economic integration of young people aged 18–35 by:

• Enhancing employability skills
• Promoting entrepreneurship
• Encouraging sustainable and eco-conscious practices
• Supporting youth participation in Social and Solidarity Economy initiatives
• Building international cooperation networks
• Empowering youth to lead community-based projects
• Encouraging socially responsible innovation

The programme seeks to create long-term positive impact by enabling participants to transfer their knowledge and skills into practical actions within their communities.

The Youth Mediterranean Empowerment Path (WP3)

One of the core components of the YES-MED project is the Youth Mediterranean Empowerment Path, an international learning journey specifically designed for young multipliers.

A total of 120 young participants will be selected to join this intensive training programme.

Duration of the Training

Participants will complete approximately:

• 40 hours of training
• Between September and October 2026

The programme is jointly designed by project partners and tailored to participants’ interests, backgrounds, and local realities.

What Participants Will Learn

The YES-MED training programme combines theoretical knowledge with practical learning approaches. Participants will gain valuable competencies in areas that are increasingly important for sustainable development and future employment.

Key Training Areas Include:

1. Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE)

Participants will explore alternative economic models focused on:

• Social impact
• Community development
• Inclusion
• Sustainability
• Ethical entrepreneurship

They will learn how SSE initiatives can help address social and economic challenges within Mediterranean communities.

2. International Cooperation

The programme introduces participants to the principles and practices of international collaboration, including:

• Partnership building
• Cross-cultural cooperation
• Community engagement
• International development perspectives

3. Digital Skills Development

Participants will improve essential digital competencies that can support:

• Entrepreneurship
• Communication
• Project management
• Online collaboration
• Digital innovation

4. Environmental Sustainability and Eco-Conscious Practices

The YES-MED project places strong emphasis on environmental responsibility. Participants will learn about:

• Sustainable development
• Eco-conscious entrepreneurship
• Green practices
• Environmental awareness
• Sustainable community initiatives

5. Project Cycle Management

Participants will gain practical understanding of:

• Project planning
• Project implementation
• Monitoring and evaluation
• Reporting
• Risk management

These skills are essential for successfully leading social initiatives and community projects.

6. Business Model Development

Young participants will learn how to:

• Develop sustainable business ideas
• Design social enterprises
• Build innovative community solutions
• Understand entrepreneurial strategies

7. Financial Literacy

The programme also strengthens financial management skills, including:

• Budgeting
• Financial planning
• Resource management
• Basic financial sustainability principles

Pilot Actions and Community Impact

Following the training programme, participants will move into the implementation phase known as WP4.

During this phase, participants will apply the knowledge and competencies gained throughout the programme by designing and implementing pilot actions.

These initiatives may be:

• Local
• National
• International

The pilot projects will be youth-led and community-focused, enabling participants to become active contributors to positive social change.

This hands-on approach aims to create:

• Sustainable impact
• Community engagement
• Youth leadership
• Social innovation
• Multiplier effects across communities

Transnational Youth Mobility Scheme (WP5)

Another exciting component of the YES-MED project is the Transnational Youth Mobility Scheme.

From the 120 participants, 24 young people will be selected to participate in this international mobility experience.

Objectives of the Mobility Scheme

The programme aims to:

• Strengthen cooperation between youth workers
• Connect participants with SSE enterprises
• Foster relationships with civil society organizations
• Encourage intercultural dialogue
• Build long-term professional networks

Benefits of the Mobility Programme

Participants selected for WP5 will benefit from:

• International exposure
• Networking opportunities
• Exchange of experiences and perspectives
• Professional development
• Collaboration with international actors
• Immersive learning experiences

The mobility programme is expected to contribute to the creation of a robust Mediterranean youth network focused on sustainability, social entrepreneurship, and cooperation.

Why Young People Should Apply

The YES-MED programme offers much more than a traditional training experience. It provides young people with opportunities to:

• Develop practical and future-oriented skills
• Increase employability
• Gain international experience
• Build professional networks
• Strengthen leadership capacities
• Become active changemakers in their communities
• Participate in sustainable and socially responsible initiatives
• Learn from international experts and peers

For youth interested in entrepreneurship, sustainability, social innovation, international cooperation, and community development, YES-MED represents a valuable platform for growth and impact.

Application Deadline

• Deadline for Submission: 31 May 2026

Interested applicants are encouraged to apply early before the deadline.

Final Thoughts

The YES-MED Call for Participants 2026 is an outstanding opportunity for young people across the Mediterranean region to strengthen their professional capacities, expand their international networks, and contribute to sustainable social transformation.

By combining training, entrepreneurship, environmental sustainability, international cooperation, and youth leadership, the programme equips participants with tools that can create meaningful impact in their communities and across the Mediterranean region.

Young leaders, aspiring entrepreneurs, youth workers, and changemakers passionate about sustainability and social innovation are highly encouraged to apply and become part of this international learning journey.

Application Link

 

Apply here

 

Learn More

• For more information about this opportunity, Click here
• More global Fellowship  opportunities for youth, visit the OFY website: Click here