Youth Conference “Towards a fair green and digital transition through youth skills development”

The conference aimed to expand and fortify collaboration and dialogue among the educational and youth sectors, fostering the development of individual knowledge, skills, and attitudes pertinent to the green and digital transitions. It sought to cultivate a multifaceted network of communication and social capital among young individuals, the community, and public authorities. As a formal platform, the conference facilitated a constructive exchange of ideas, leading to conclusions and broad statements, and played a pivotal role in the broader dissemination of the project’s core ideas and goals within society.

The event welcomed young individuals aged 14-26, educators, and professionals interested in sharing their expertise in green and digital transformations, intercultural communication, and fostering networking and cooperation. This included bringing international experiences to the fore and sharing Estonian practices with the Mediterranean and Nordic regions. The conference also served as a venue for youth organizations, educational leaders, academics, researchers, legislators, planners, policymakers, and ministry representatives to disseminate the project’s findings to the public. An anticipated total of 100 participants were expected to attend.

The conference themes encompassed:

• Advocating for a green and circular economy within communities and among the youth.
• Advancing the circular economy, urban development, and innovation.
• Exploring the contributions of civil society organizations and the youth in the green transition and sustainable development.
• Examining the societal impacts of the digital transition on youth, communities, and states.
• Considering how the digital transition prompts young people to reassess their life skills and careers.
• Facilitating the digital transition through professional development and the provision of digital learning resources.

Structured into three segments, the conference featured keynote addresses and two thematic panel discussions focused on the green and digital transitions and their implications. Additionally, youth dialogues centered on the specifics of the green and digital transitions and related strategic documents. The outcome was a compilation of proposals from the youth on updating national and local strategic documents and articulating their vision.

The conference provided insights into how young people and civil society can support the green and digital shifts in challenging situations, identifying opportunities for collaboration at local and national levels to aid others in confronting similar significant challenges within their communities.

The conference is supported by: Estonian Ministry of Education and Research, Tallinn Urban Environment and Public Works Department and Tallinn city Civic Peace Programme.