Whether the subject was migration, climate change or biological diversity: under the slogan “Shaping the Future Ourselves – Young Ideas for Sustainability”, 150 young people between 16 and 27 years of age developed 17 projects at the Youth Conference in Osnabrück in early September, projects which are enjoying subsequent support from the DBU. Hosts of the conference were the Federal Ministry of the Environment and the DBU. The motto “Do It Yourself” was present throughout the entire convention. For example, the young participants decided themselves which projects would be supported by the DBU. At a “Market of Opportunities” they had a chance to stimulate interest in their projects and to find new allies. In the subsequent voting, 17 of the total of 23 ideas introduced exceeded the self-defined minimal support amount, and will receive for their implementation expert and financial support from the foundation. The DBU will donate between 200 and 1,370 euros to each of the chosen projects. They represent a wide spectrum of subjects: from a radio broadcast on sustainability, to the founding of a “Youth Sustainability Network”, to ecological education projects for minor-aged refugees without families.
