Generation Green Conference: Empowering Youth for a Sustainable Future

On November 5, HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation organized the Generation Green Conference: Skills, Careers, and Innovation in Pristina. This event brought together key stakeholders from the Western Balkans and Europe, including the Volvo Group, to foster collaboration and accelerate the green transition. It served as a dynamic platform for exploring strategies to align education, innovation, and private sector practices with sustainability goals. The conference also highlighted youth perspectives and addressed regional challenges in advancing a sustainable future.

Matthias Herr, Regional Director of Helvetas Eastern Europe, emphasizes the need for action beyond dialogue, stating: “Today’s conference isn’t just about talking; it’s about action. Our focus is on equipping young people with the skills and knowledge to thrive in the green economy – an economy that isn’t about business as usual but about blazing new, sustainable trails. So, when we talk about the green transition, we want to move beyond isolated successes and explore what it really takes to drive transformational change”.

Jean-Philippe Hagmann, a renowned expert for radical innovation from Switzerland, highlighted the necessity of embracing change in his keynote speech on “How We Can Nudge Ourselves into a Better Future.” He addressed critical questions about the role of radical innovation in the green transition. “One of the biggest obstacles to a green transition is our clinging to experiences and knowledge from the past. We have to learn to unlearn”, he emphasized.

Ummuhan Bardak, a Senior Human Capital Development Expert at the European Training Foundation, underscored the critical role of green skills and competencies in preparing youth for the future during her keynote address. We must keep in mind that youth have the highest stake in green and digital transitions, because it is these younger generations who will live and face the consequences of the twin transition in the future. They will be the ones who will have to work in jobs that do not exist today, who will have to change jobs more frequently and need more often reskilling and upskilling between the jobs. They can also contribute most to the ecological transition over a longer period of time. Therefore, being aware of the twin transitions and gaining relevant skills that are necessary in these transitions will be vital for adaptability, agility and resilience”, she said.

During the first panel experts from Kosovo, Serbia, Albania, and North Macedonia discussed the importance of public participation and youth engagement in driving the green transition. The panel explored effective strategies for transforming awareness into action and increasing social demand for sustainable practices, emphasizing the power of information and communication in mobilizing communities.

In the second panel private sector leaders from North Macedonia, Kosovo, Slovenia, and Sweden discussed the impact of ongoing changes on labor markets and employment opportunities for youth, highlighting innovative practices and corporate responsibility initiatives that contribute to a sustainable future. Through engaging discussions, panelists explored how the private sector can play a pivotal role in creating green jobs and fostering entrepreneurial innovation.

During the conference, experts from Europe and Western Balkans participated in three breakout sessions focused on key aspects of the green transition. In the first session, participants explored innovative strategies for integrating green skills into educational frameworks. The second session examined how effective career guidance can facilitate youth entry into the green job market. In the third session panelists discussed the potential of start-ups to create employment opportunities and drive sustainable practices. Together, these sessions emphasized the importance of collaboration and innovation in preparing youth for a sustainable future.

For more details regarding the conference please visit the conference website or our social media channels: Facebook and Linkedin