GREEN SKILLS AND SUSTAINABILITY EDUCATION: LESSONS FROM A MULTI-COUNTRY PARTNERSHIP
GREEN SKILLS AND SUSTAINABILITY EDUCATION: LESSONS FROM A MULTI-COUNTRY PARTNERSHIP

Author(s): Larisa Panait
Subject(s): Social Sciences, Education, Human Resources in Economy, Green Transformation
Published by: Editura Universităţii »Alexandru Ioan Cuza« din Iaşi
Keywords: Centres of Vocational Excellence; green education; green skills; multi- country partnership; public-private partnership
Summary/Abstract: According to the United Nations, over 55% of the world's population currently resides in urban areas, and this figure is projected to rise to nearly 70% by 2050. This rapid urbanisation underscores the urgency of transforming urban environments to be greener and more sustainable. One pivotal aspect of this transformation is the development of skills within the green education sector. Green education equips individuals with the skills necessary to address environmental challenges and fosters innovation in sustainable practices. This article explores the impact of the European Platform for Urban Greening (EPLUG), a Centre of Vocational Excellence, an initiative of the European Commission. EPLUG represents a public-private partnership across Romania, the Netherlands, Finland, Denmark, Spain, and Czechia. EPLUG partners include (vocational) education and training providers, NGOs, companies, European associations, and public authorities. This multi-country partnership enhances learning by allowing partners to share resources and best practices, thereby enriching the educational experience and fostering a more cohesive approach to sustainability. This article investigates the key successes of the EPLUG project, focusing on the enhancement of green skills and sustainability education. Through interviews with various stakeholders from different countries, the article examines a) the added value of collaboration at national, regional, and European levels; and b) examples of green skills and education initiatives. The findings underscore how such partnerships facilitate better skilling, upskilling, and reskilling to meet the challenges posed by the green transition, climate change, among others. Some countries are transforming green curricula with new technologies, while others are expanding green education to broader audiences through public learning experiences or integrating new professional qualifications.

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