GLOBE EU event (hybrid):

“Navigating the Shifting Landscape: Developing Skills and Education for a Sustainable European Future”

European Parliament, JAN -2Q129, November 15, 16h00 to 18h00

 

In the past years, Europe has had to confront the dual challenge of a global pandemic and unprecedented energy price shock.  While Europe has managed to navigate both these challenges better than expected, the long-term effects on European firms remain uncertain.  This is offset by a heightened sense of urgency to address the climate crisis and the investments needed to achieve the EU goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.  Education and skills are at the heart of Europe’s path forward.  However, Europe is trailing behind the US in terms of innovation and digital adoption.

In order to accelerate the delivery of these commitments, this conference will bring together experts from the private and public sectors to explore the changing skills and education needs of the European Union in a post-pandemic, climate-oriented world.  It will also assess the role of the EU in addressing these challenges and will conclude with concrete recommendations on how the European Union can better equip its workforce with the skills and education needed for this future.

Program:

16h00 Welcome remarks and introduction to the conference –Sirpa Pietikäinen MEP, President GLOBE EU

16h10  Opening Keynote – Emily Sinnott, Head of Division for Strategy and Policy, EIB:

    • Why Europe cannot ignore education and skills development when addressing the long-term challenges of climate change.

16h25  Panel Discussion:

  • Private sector perspectives on the skills and education gaps:
    • Andreea Calbeaza, Microsoft – Closing the sustainability skills gap
    • Gülçin Berkel Erem, Dow – STEM skills in a sustainable economy
    • Bart Vandewaetere, Nestlé – “Nestlé needs YOUth” dual learning paths
    • Rasmus Borch, Lenovo – “Turning Waste into Educational Wonder” project
  • The role of the European universities in driving forward future-oriented skills and education– Katrien Maes, Special Initiatives Ambassador Engagement & Impact · League of European Research Universities (LERU)
  • Climate Change Education in Europe – Cliona Murphy, Associate Professor in Science Education, Royal Irish Academy, All European Academies (ALLEA)
  • The role of  Erasmus+ in helping students make informed choices and boosting employment – Vito Borrelli, Team Leader of the Erasmus+ – Higher Education program, European Commission DG EAC

17h45  Closing remarks and summary of conclusions – Paul Tang MEP, Vice-President GLOBE EU

18h00 End