On October 16–17, the final conference of the Erasmus+ project ‘Personal Green Skills in Higher Education’, coordinated by Kauno kolegija, took place at the University of Málaga (Spain). The hybrid-format event brought together not only project partners but also external stakeholders interested in sustainability: teachers from higher and secondary education institutions, partners from the European University Alliance UNINOVIS and representatives of local non-governmental organizations.

During the conference, participants reviewed the outcomes of the two-year international project, discussing achieved results and challenges related to the integration of green skills into higher education curricula. Presentations showcased methodologies for developing students’ personal green competencies, approaches to strengthening the role of educators, and the use of digital and innovative learning tools. Experiences were also shared from an intensive program held in Germany, where students deepened their sustainability knowledge through practical activities based on the project’s developed methodology.

Special attention was given to creativity and self-expression, as participants presented student creative projects, including a video competition that reflected young people’s perspectives on green solutions. The conference emphasised that sustainability begins with the individual—with every student, teacher, and institution making daily choices. Higher education holds the power to turn this awareness into action, while green skills serve not only as knowledge but also as a foundation for a new culture and social responsibility.

Project coordinator Povilas Beseckas noted that discussions during the conference highlighted a shared understanding: green skills go far beyond technical knowledge—they represent value-based, social, and personal readiness to live in a sustainable society. Participants emphasised that sustainability education should become an integral part of higher education culture, and higher education institutions should serve as examples for their communities by implementing sustainable practices, fostering responsible behavior, and strengthening inter-institutional cooperation.

Project administrator Vytautė Giedraitienė underlined that initiatives like this are crucial for the higher education sector, as they drive systemic change and promote new perspectives on sustainability. Green skills are becoming an integral part of study programs—from engineering to social sciences—enhancing students’ ability to think critically, make responsible decisions, and act in environmentally friendly ways. Moreover, the project strengthens international academic cooperation, facilitates the exchange of best practices, and helps establish sustainability traditions that outlast the project itself.

The project ‘Personal Green Skills in Higher Education’ (No. 2023-1-LT01-KA220-HED-000160132), coordinated by Kauno kolegija, is a two-year Erasmus+ initiative with a total budget of €250,000. It unites five international partners from Lithuania, Germany, Spain, Finland, and Austria – four of which, together with Kauno kolegija, are members of the European University Alliance UNINOVIS. The project’s goal is to promote behavioural change and the development of students’ green skills to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development goals. To reach this goal, the project focuses on strengthening teachers’ capacity to deliver sustainability competencies and on developing innovative digital and green tools that actively engage students in learning.