It is necessary for the VET sector to intervene in order to fight climate change
Climate change and environmental degradation are currently threatening the very existence of Europe and the world. In particular, climate change is a “crisis multiplier” that has profound implications for international peace and stability. If we continue on our current path, we are going to face the disastrous consequences, meaning the collapse of everything that gives us safety and security.
Thus, the time to act is NOW!
In this context, now more than ever, VET education has a responsibility to foster the correct type of skills, attitudes, and behavior that will lead to sustainable and inclusive growth. More specifically, the global imperatives of addressing the challenges posed by climate change, and the need for sustainable development, increasing human well-being, and protecting the planet from ecological destruction have profound implications for education. This was addressed in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development adopted by all United Nations member states in 2015. Hence, we must fundamentally change the way we think about education and its important role in global development and the accomplishment of sustainable goals.
After all, the global urgency for climate change mitigation has resulted in the need for a labor force with the skill sets necessary for establishing and sustaining new environmental industries, services, and practices. This emerging labor market requires vocational education and training systems and skills development programs to respond. The transformation needed for a cleaner, greener planet requires integrative, innovative, and creative thinking, cultivated jointly by the VET sector, governments, civil society organizations, and companies. This collaboration calls for VET education that goes beyond knowledge transfer and desirable behaviors by focusing on multiple perspectives – economic, ecological, environmental, and sociocultural – and developing empowered, critical, mindful, and competent citizens.
Agenda
The specific hours of the conference will be announced along with the detailed programme in the coming days.
Stay tuned for more details!
Speakers
Thiemo Fojkar
President of EVBB, Chairman of the Board – IB
Thiemo Fojkar’s career began at Bundeswehr University in Munich, where he graduated with a degree in education. In 1988 he became managing director of the Bildungswerk der Baden-Württembergischen Wirtschaft, which is an educational institute for Baden-Württemberg´s economy.
Thiemo Fojkar started his career at Internationaler Bund in 2009 as a member of the Board of Directors. In 2013 he was appointed CEO. His tasks here are the political representation of the entire IB Group, the strategic orientation of the company, corporate organization, quality management, corporate communications and other fields of activity.
In addition to his full-time work, Thiemo Fojkar works in several honorary functions as an official. He acts as chairman of the Federal Association of Vocational Training Providers (BBB). He is also a member of the Presidium of Europa-Union Germany (EUD) and a board member of the European Movement Germany (EBD). He is also a member of the Executive Committee of the German Association of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, where he is responsible for education.
Theodor Grassos
Secretary General of EVBB
Theodor Grassos is Secretary General of EVBB and Vice-President of European Entrepreneurs CEA-PME. He is a member of two Working Groups of the European Commission as an expert: “Working Group on Vocational Education and Training and the Green Transition” and “Working Group on Adult Learning – Opening Up Opportunities for All”.
Furthermore, he is a member of Life Long learning platform, VET 4 EU2 group as well as the ETF Consultative Panel for the internationalization of CoVEs. Among his key qualifications are the hands-on experience in implementing EU projects of high value. Having implemented and participated in numerous projects, he holds a strong knowledge of the current trends and strategies of the E.U. For more than 15 years, he has proven his extensive Knowledge of ESF and EU Education & VET strategies since he has successfully implemented various international cooperation projects.
Mrs. Susanne M. Nielsen
Ηuman Capital Development Expert – Country Liaison for Ukraine – ETF
Susanne M. Nielsen holds a Master of Political Science with her thesis on European Integration. She has 25 years of international working experience in the field of economic growth, education and training and labour market reforms. She has vast experience in provision of policy advice and support in relation to VET policies and structural reforms. She is Human Capital Expert at the European Training Foundation (ETF), an EU Agency of the European Commission. She is country responsible for Ukraine and is leading ETFs green VET partnership – GRETA (Greening Responses to Excellence through Thematic Actions) that is supporting greening of VET. GRETA is a sub-initiative of the ETF Network for Excellence that is an international network of more than 250 CoVEs and VET providers worldwide.
Mrs. Stelina Chatzichristou
Expert, Skills trends and intelligence, Department for VET and Skills – CEDEFOP
Stelina Chatzichristou is an expert in the department for VET and skills at Cedefop, the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training. She is leading Cedefop’s research on jobs, skills and VET for the green transition and sectoral skills developments. Stelina coordinates the skills trends and intelligence team and contributes to the Centre’s research on skills anticipation and skills governance. Before joining Cedefop, Stelina worked for almost a decade in the private sector as a researcher and policy analyst. In that capacity, she has worked on and managed projects on national and EU comparative analysis on VET, skills and entrepreneurship.
Mr. Giacomo Bosio
SDGs and Greening TVET – UNESCO-UNEVOC International Centre for TVET
Giacomo works as a programme assistant for UNESCO-UNEVOC for the SDGs and Greening TVET Team. He previously worked as a trainee at the European Training Foundation (ETF) and later at the Fondazione Giacomo Brodolini as a researcher. His work has mainly focused on the green and digital transition and how TVET should adapt to these changes. As part of his work, he focused on the greening policies in the EU’s neighbouring countries, the circular economy and the bioeconomy in European Union and the construction sector in Armenia. In the past, he also worked for the Italian Embassy in Mozambique. Giacomo holds a Bachelor’s in Administrative Science and Employment Consultancy from the University of Turin, a Master’s in International Relations from the University of Bologna and a Master’s in Emerging Economies and International Development from King’s College London.
Important!
In addition, EVBB members will have the great opportunity, during the conference, to disseminate their projects related to climate change, circular economy, green economy, etc, in an exhibition to be held in a specially designed space at the Grand Hyatt Hotel!
Pricing
Members
with accommodation
590 €
Members
without accommodation
350 €
Non-Members
with accommodation
950 €
Non-Members
without accommodation
450 €
These prices are valid until 14 October – for the early birds!
From 15 October prices will be plus 10%.
So, make sure that you will register in time!
Please keep in mind that the above prices (regarding the accommodation) are for check-in on the 20th of October & check-out 22nd of October, and are all-inclusive (accommodation, food, transportation within Athens).
If you wish to extend your stay, please let us know, as we have arranged a special price for you at the hotel!
Venue
GRAND HYATT ATHENS
Located on the famous Syngrou Avenue, between the cultural center of the historic city of Athens and the cosmopolitan Athenian Riviera, Grand Hyatt Athens offers the ultimate hospitality experience in a city with a heady mix of history and edginess.
