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Mubarak from Ghent

Mubarak on Youth Connections and European Unity

Mubarak, Belgium, Age 25

To all young people who hesitate to take part in such a foreign adventure: don’t be afraid. You will meet super cool people and you will learn so much.

For Mubarak, part of the Youth Council in Ghent, the international youth exchange was more than just an event. It was a chance to connect deeply with young people from different countries. Mubarak found common ground with participants from Austria and Germany as they shared ideas on critical issues like climate, mobility, and leisure. He was particularly struck by the realisation that youth councils across Europe share many of the same priorities.

“What made this week so special to me was the European connection among young people,” Mubarak said. Engaging in debates about lowering the voting age to 16 and discussing climate action gave Mubarak new insights into the shared challenges and opportunities for European youth. 

Mubarak’s key takeaway from the exchange was the powerful sense of unity among young people, despite coming from different backgrounds and cultures. He also appreciated how the exchange showcased youth-led initiatives and spaces like Broei and Overkop. For Mubarak, these encounters not only expanded his worldview but also reinforced his belief in the interconnectedness of Europe’s youth.

“This is where you are going to meet the future!” Mubarak concluded, urging young people to embrace opportunities like this exchange and continue building strong, transnational ties. 

Updated on Tirsdag, 17/02/2026