Representatives from the University of Limassol (UoL) participated in the high-level European Climate Pact Event 2025, held on March 19th in Brussels. Organised annually by the Directorate-General for Climate Action (DG CLIMA), this year’s event focused on key topics related to climate adaptation, youth activism, inclusive climate action, overcoming eco-anxiety, and the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in climate action.
The European Climate Pact is a movement which brings together individuals and communities across Europe towards a common cause of climate action. The movement was launched by the European Commission, and is part of the European Green Deal and is helping the EU to meet its goal to become climate-neutral by 2050.
Among the highlights of the event was a session moderated by UoL student Daniel Barasa, a Member of the Climate Pact Community. Daniel moderated a session titled Youth Entrepreneurship: Building a Sustainable Future where he brought together a diverse group of Climate Ambassadors from across Europe. The session aimed to inspire participants to take action-driven entrepreneurial journeys by highlighting innovative solutions to climate change and contributing to building a more sustainable future.
Theognosia Petrou, Project Officer at the UoL Research Center, represented the University of Limassol during a key presentation on Intergenerational Entrepreneurship. Theognosia shared insights from an EU co-funded ERASMUS+ project titled InterGenic- Supporting the EU’s twin transitions through intergenerational learning, exchanges of knowledge, and joint actions. This project explores how intergenerational learning can bridge the gap between different generations, encouraging collaboration to co-create community plans aligned with the principles of the European Green Deal and the EU’s twin transition for digital and green practices in industries and business.
Theognosia emphasized that with intergenerational collaboration and effective policy action, the field of entrepreneurship can be further supported and contribute in building a more climate-neutral and resilient future. With practical examples, it was explained how integrating both youth and senior citizens into entrepreneurial efforts can drive meaningful actions, leveraging the strengths of both generations to foster sustainability.
During a collaborative group session led by UoL, participants had also the opportunity to discuss and exchange their ideas and practices on how policies can support intergenerational entrepreneurship and create environments that foster collaboration between youth and senior entrepreneurs. The discussions underscored the importance of fostering collaboration across generations and crafting policies that remove obstacles to intergenerational entrepreneurship. Some of the key points shared included the need for youth-friendly policies, enhanced digital literacy across generations, and greater gender equity in entrepreneurship. Additionally, participants suggested that a more inclusive knowledge exchange system, such as a ‘buddy system’ rather than traditional mentorship, could provide more equitable and inclusive results. The importance of mutual recognition, inclusion in decision-making processes, and funding opportunities that invite participation from both generations was also emphasized. These measures would help create the space and conditions needed to develop businesses and ideas that are not only resilient but also climate-friendly and sustainable.
Before the conference concluded, a conversation with Wopke Hoekstra, European Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero, and Clean Growth, provided insights into the EU’s latest initiatives and future climate goals.
The University of Limassol’s participation in the event reinforced its commitment to advancing climate action through innovative ideas, empowering youth, and fostering intergenerational collaboration.
Source: University of Limassol | What’s on | News (https://tinyurl.com/3uh9v9tz)