On October 11, 2024, garagErasmus organised the BRIGHTS final conference, titled Bringing Higher Education towards Sustainability. Green Skills Development and Recognition, at the European Parliament’s INFO HUB in Brussels. This event brought together stakeholders from the education sector and youth organizations to discuss the critical role of green skills in fostering sustainable development within higher education institutions (HEIs).
The conference opened with welcome speeches from Fabrizio Bitetto, president and CEO of garagErasmus, along with videomessages by MEPs Alessandra Moretti and Brando Benifei, highlighting the significance of promoting sustainability within European educational frameworks. Their remarks underscored how the shift towards green competencies aligns with EU policy priorities on sustainability and environmental action.
Martina Altea Bellinzona, project Coordinator from the University of Pavia, introduced the BRIGHTS initiative and its outcomes. Her presentation provided insights into how the project aimed to develop and integrate green skills into HEIs on all its levels, meaning students, teachers and university staff. She emphasized the need for higher education to adapt and lead in preparing students for sustainability-related careers.
This was followed by a presentation by Salome Dermati of the European University Foundation, who presented the project Sustainable Erasmus+ Travel, which aims at improving students’ opportunities to engage in more environmentally sustainable habits during their mobility. Cinta Gonzáles Sentís, Secretary General of the Federation of Young European Greens, then shared the youth perspective, focusing on the importance of student activism and engagement in driving green policies within institutions.
The private sector’s role in building green skills was highlighted by Caterina Bortolaso of the European Digital SME Alliance, who presented the SMACITE project’s innovative approach to sustainability. Daniela Bergamotti of IREN also contributed an online perspective on how academia and enterprises can collaborate to equip students with the necessary green skills for future jobs.
The event concluded with a panel discussion featuring Stefania Bettini of the INFO hub introducing the Youth Hub and What Europe Does for Me, emphasizing the importance of youth-led initiatives in promoting green competencies. A Q&A session and networking lunch provided attendees with further opportunities to exchange ideas and explore potential collaborations in advancing sustainability in higher education.
The conference successfully showcased the BRIGHTS project’s achievements and underscored the need for sustained efforts to integrate green skills across European higher education institutions to ensure a sustainable future.
Find below the downloadable presentations from the speakers:
BRIGHTS – Martina Altea Bellinzona
Sustainable Erasmus+ Travel – Salome Dermati