Youthmakers Hub hosts Green Perspectives: Uniting voices for a sustainable future
On April 7th, Youthmakers Hub organized the highly successful Green Perspectives: Uniting voices for a sustainable future conference, as the final activity of the Green Netiquette project in Athens, Greece, bringing together over 120 people both online and on-site. The event, held at the Demos Center with the support of Dr. Mary Cardaras, was a powerful showcase of our commitment to empowering young people and driving sustainable change.
The event featured inspiring discussions on key sustainability topics, including civic engagement, digital responsibility, sustainable development, and youth-driven innovation. Experts from various fields presented actionable insights, providing attendees with the tools and knowledge necessary to integrate sustainable practices into their daily lives and professional endeavors.
The event kicked off with a session on Sustainability in civic engagement and active citizenship, a firechat featuring Anthi Paschalidou, President of the Alumni Network of Ecogenia and Geologist and our Georgia – Anna Chondrou. This discussion emphasized how communities and grassroots movements can drive systemic change. The speaker highlighted real-world examples of how civic engagement, such as community-based environmental actions, plays a critical role in shaping sustainable societies.
Next, the conference delved into the intersection of sustainability and digital behavior in a session by Dataphoria’s Co-founder & CEO, Anastasis Stamatis. In today’s digital age, responsible data management, reducing digital footprints, and adopting ethical technology practices are vital components of sustainability. Anastasis, an expert in green tech and digital responsibility, provided insights on how businesses and individuals can incorporate eco-friendly practices into their online presence, while also exploring the role of artificial intelligence in promoting sustainable digital solutions. This session was pivotal in connecting digital actions to global sustainability goals.
The third thematic discussion, sustainable development and youth action-oriented learning, featured Vicky Malotidi, Senior Education Programme Officer, from MIO-ECSDE and MEdIES. This session focused on the pivotal role that youth movements play in advancing sustainability. Vicky provided a detailed look at youth-led initiatives that have made significant contributions to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By highlighting youth action-oriented learning, the session inspired participants to engage more actively in sustainable practices, while also showcasing how young people can drive change through innovation and advocacy.
The final thematic session, sustainability in entrepreneurship, was led by Nikos Therapos, Director of DOTANK+, a leader in integrating sustainable practices into business models. This session emphasized how businesses can adopt circular economies, support green startups, and ensure that entrepreneurial innovations align with environmental goals. Dotank+ demonstrated how sustainability can be a powerful business driver, leading to innovation and long-term profitability.
Following the thematic sessions, the conference shifted to focus on the Green Netiquette project, with a panel featuring Eleni Modou, Eliška Nacházelová, Enita Sprince and Alessandra Russo, from Youthmakers Hub, UJEP, Eurospeak Erasmus and Carolina Albasio University respectively. The panel provided a comprehensive overview of the project’s key outcomes, including lessons learned, challenges faced, and future recommendations for sustainability-focused digital engagement. The project’s findings sparked a dynamic open discussion, where participants shared their thoughts on how responsible online practices can contribute to a more sustainable world.
Youthmakers Hub’s commitment to creating a sustainable future was evident throughout the event, as it brought together diverse organizations, changemakers, and thought leaders dedicated to making a tangible impact. The conference fostered collaboration, networking, and inspiration, reinforcing the idea that sustainable change is only possible through collective action.