The annual event of UNICEF Hungary’s Climate Heroes program has evolved into a national youth climate protection meeting

By: Trademagazin Date: 2026. 03. 26. 11:09

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More than 600 students from all over the country came to Planet Budapest, set up at the Hungarian Railway History Park, to learn, ask questions and talk to experts about climate change. The young people were concerned with the changes that will shape their future and that they need to prepare for today – changes that will not only transform their environment, but also their everyday lives.

The roundtable discussions were attended by renowned experts from our country: psychologists, futures and generation researchers, economists, human ecologists, child protection specialists, molecular geneticists and biology teachers, as well as the State Secretary for Circular Economy and Climate Policy at the Ministry of Energy.

The voice of youth was represented on stage by UNICEF Hungary’s Young Ambassadors, who shared the perspectives, questions and concerns of their own age group, while also encouraging the audience to actively participate. One of the most important goals of the event is open social dialogue: creating a safe space where there are no bad questions, only shared thinking and finding solutions. This year’s focus of the conference was the clash of different perspectives, which immediately sparked the interest of young people. Following the discussions, the experts were asked a series of questions, and the discussions often continued during the breaks.

Can we remain human in the age of algorithms? What really worries me when I think about the future? How do we know what is truly sustainable? Does it really matter if I collect my waste selectively? Can I reduce my digital carbon footprint with a few clicks?

Such and similar questions were raised at the event, where students could get answers to the topics of interest to them not only from experts, but also from representatives of civil society organizations, companies and state actors.

In addition to the programs, representatives of various fields – from the IT sector to academics and university students – showed in the UNICEF Experience Space how many ways can be contributed to a more sustainable future. The participants agreed that critical thinking, innovation and an environmentally conscious approach can play a key role in any career. The children were also able to participate in Planet Budapest’s spectacular, interactive exhibitions, which further strengthened learning based on personal experiences.

“Since many of our Hungarian programs deal with the dramatically deteriorating mental health of children, we know that the so-called climate anxiety also plays a role in this. According to our 2022 representative survey, 90% of the age group experiences anxiety and 33% specifically anger in connection with climate change, and the feeling of helplessness causes them serious frustration. Our experiences this year also confirm that young people are not indifferent: they were extremely active in the programs, their questions almost flooded in, and many shared their personal opinions with us. On the theme day, they could follow a colorful, experience-based “route”, deepen their knowledge through spectacular exhibitions, and in the UNICEF Experience Space they could have real, personal encounters. This live, engaging presence is our most important goal every year, because we believe that active action is one of the keys to solving climate anxiety”

– said Antónia Mészáros, Executive Director of UNICEF Hungary.

“The children could choose from a lot of programs, and it was often difficult for them to decide which one to join. Some planted, sprouted, or made a sculpture from waste, while others were more interested in technical solutions, such as recycling an old mobile device. The so-called forest bath also gave them the opportunity to slow down a bit during the day and connect with nature,”

reported a teacher.

Climate Wake-Up Call – the program’s newest initiative

The children participating in the event were introduced to a new module of the program. During the Climate Wake-up Call, led by UNICEF Hungary’s Young Ambassadors, the students were given a taste of the interactive session, which will also be available to schools in Budapest in the future. During the 2×45-minute sessions, volunteer trainers will use experiential pedagogical tools and build on the children’s existing knowledge to introduce the 10-18 year olds to the connections between climate change and children’s rights.

The goal of the program is to provide authentic information and help prevent and process climate anxiety with action options that can be applied to the environment. The session is free to attend, more information: HERE >>>

A little chick “hatched” by the end of the event

At the event, the problem of waste accumulation and the importance of recycling were symbolized by a giant chicken built from waste in the middle of the UNICEF Experience Space. For the spectacular installation, the students also made a chick exclusively from recycled materials, thus further shaping the message together.

UNICEF Hungary remains committed to supporting young people in climate protection and providing them with the opportunity to learn, ask questions and express their opinions. The organization is looking forward to young planet protectors joining its program. More information: HERE >>>

UNICEF Hungary’s Climate Heroes program is supported by well-known companies: Indotek Group, Alteo Energiaszolgáltató Nyrt, Dentons, E.ON and Magyar Telekom.

The venue of the 5th Climate Heroes Youth Meeting is the Blue Planet Foundation and Planet Budapest provided.