On 18–19 March 2025, the European Climate Pact’s annual event, Together in Action, brought more than 500 people to Brussels. The event provided a space for Ambassadors and Partners to connect, reflect and get inspired, celebrating the power of collective action to drive climate solutions across Europe. With a community-led programme full of interactive workshops, creative spaces, panels and live performances, the event gathered the Pact community for inspiring discussions and reflections on a range of topics.
Building connections, exchanging ideas
The community-led programme offered space to share knowledge, showcase successes and explore new approaches – firmly rooted in the belief that everyone can make a difference.
The first day was dedicated to the Pact community, before the second day welcomed the wider public. Attendees came from all 27 Member States, representing local communities, civil society, education, business and government.
From small-scale initiatives to cross-border collaborations, their inspiring discussions and stories reflect a growing movement working towards a climate-neutral, fair and resilient Europe.
Shaping the green transition through innovation
The Pact community helped to shape a programme that reflected their interests, challenges and hopes for the future. Discussions were grounded in real-life experiences and community action, focusing on a range of key themes that emerged across both days of the event.
One of these themes was innovation. Through panel discussions and practical workshops, attendees were encouraged to work together to develop innovative climate solutions.
Participants delved into the challenges and opportunities of artificial intelligence in supporting efforts to tackle climate change, and explored how citizens can support innovation by bridging the gap between science and action.
“Youth are not the leaders of tomorrow – they are the solution today.” – Alexandre Mabille, Climate Pact Ambassador
Lastly, the panel on youth entrepreneurship discussed how young people can shape the green transition through innovative business models that prioritize both impact and integrity.
Enabling more voices to be heard
The event also focused on the importance of inclusion in climate action. In a panel discussion on how innovation can be used to accelerate inclusion, speakers highlighted the importance of equity and representation in the green transition.
“It’s not just about decarbonization – it’s about who’s at the table, and how we include those most impacted […] We need to build legitimacy through education and conversation – not just for the planet, but for each other.” – Féris Barkat (Co-founder, Banlieues Climat)
Other sessions focused on breaking down barriers and creating space for more voices to be heard – from neurodiverse communities and migrants to people living in vulnerable areas. Attendees discussed the need to a move away from symbolic inclusion towards deeper, community-driven participation.
Finally, on the topic of inclusion, the event featured a panel on youth and children leading climate action, showcasing tools such as card games, storytelling and role-play to make climate education more engaging and empowering for young people.
Showing resilience in local communities
Climate adaptation, co-creation and community involvement were another central theme of the event, showing how local leadership is needed to prepare for the impacts of climate change.
One session highlighted the importance of engaging schools, youth and farmers as part of local long-term adaptation strategies. Speakers also shared how citizen mapping and data-sharing have supported flood risk planning in Spanish municipalities, showing a great example of community resilience.
“Citizen engagement is not just a theory – it is about building trust and facing tough questions together.” – Elena López Gunn, Climate Pact Ambassador
Participants also discussed the need to acknowledge emotional responses to the climate crisis and channel them into meaningful action. Speakers shared techniques such as mindfulness and storytelling as ways to address eco-anxiety, support wellbeing, and ensure long-term engagement in climate action.
Experiencing the Pact in action
Throughout the event, the Pact’s vision came to life through creative, participatory spaces as the community explored how art and creative expression can help reach wider audiences, shift narratives and build empathy.
At the Climate Action Village, attendees met organisations and projects driving climate action at every level – from EU-wide initiatives to grassroots movements. Hands-on exhibits, tools and conversations brought ideas off the page and into practice.
The Climate Walk took participants on a guided tour of Brussels’ European Quarter, exploring how institutions are reducing emissions and preparing for future challenges.
Outside the Berlaymont building, the Climate Pact photo exhibition invited passers-by to experience stories of action and creativity from across Europe – a visual reminder that climate action can be both personal and powerful. The exhibition remains on display to the public outside the Berlaymont entrance until 14 April 2025.
“Art creates special connections, inspires, and drives action.” – Jose Segarra Murria, Climate Pact Ambassador and speaker, Drawing solutions: Art and comics for climate action
Looking ahead
The event also looked ahead to the EU’s evolving climate agenda and the future of climate policy, outlining priorities identified by the European Commission. These include:
- The Clean Industrial Deal, aiming to support decarbonisation and competitiveness in key sectors.
- A new Circular Economy Act, putting resource efficiency at the heart of Europe’s climate strategy. “We have the opportunity to become world champions in circularity,” said the European Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero and Clean Growth, Wopke Hoekstra.
- A growing focus on adaptation and preparedness, especially for vulnerable communities.
- More support for behavioural change and engagement tools, such as citizen science and digital apps.
- Supporting a just transition through mechanisms like the Social Climate Fund and the Just Transition Mechanism.
- Ensuring climate action is inclusive, fair and grounded in real-world experiences. “We need a grand coalition to make climate action work in a democracy,” the Commissioner emphasised.
During a discussion with Pact Ambassadors Sara Segantin and Sasha Bezuhanova, the xommissioner noted the importance of balancing policy priorities such as defence and security while continuing to push forward towards climate targets. “I’m ambitious, and I’m in a hurry!” he told attendees, calling for accelerated implementation of climate policies.
Commissioner Hoekstra also spoke of shared responsibility and inclusion, encouraging the Pact community to continue shaping Europe’s climate future:
“Thank you for the amazing work you are doing – it truly, truly matters. This is something policymakers cannot do alone – we need friends and allies.”
As Kurt Vandenberghe, Director-General for Climate Action reminded participants, the EU’s climate agenda must stay grounded in fairness and future-focused thinking. “This agenda is not just about climate – it’s about people, prosperity, and future generations,” he said.
So, what can you do?
Everyone can be part of the change and join the Climate Pact community in creating a sustainable future. The Climate Pact website is full of ideas: get started with climate action at home, take part in an event near you, or organize a group climate activity in your community.
Subscribe to the Pact newsletter to stay updated on upcoming events, new resources, and opportunities to get involved. If you are passing by the Berlaymont building, make sure to check out the outdoor photo exhibition!
Experience the event again, by watching the recordings and exploring the photo gallery. Visit the event page.
