Skills for a burning world: the role of HEIs in climate action recognition | 24 Sep 2025, Brussels

The OpenPass4Climate consortium is organising the final multiplier event of its Erasmus+ KA2 project, hosted at the Fondation Universitaire in Brussels on 24 September 2025, from 12:00 to 17:00.

The event will present a set of recommendations for higher education institutions to adopt its Open Badges and Passport system and offer a space for exchange between Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), EU policymakers, student organisations, and civil society stakeholders on the role of universities in the recognition of climate competences. The focus will be on how microcredentials, open badges, and digital recognition systems can support climate action, civic engagement, and the development of relevant green skills.

Key discussion points:

  • The strategic role of Higher Education Institutions in recognising climate competences developed beyond the traditional classroom.
  • The potential of microcredentials and open badges to empower students, enhance employability, and engage employers.
  • Aligning recognition practices with EU frameworks such as GreenComp, DigComp, and the European approach to microcredentials.
  • Overcoming institutional barriers and designing inclusive, credible, and scalable recognition ecosystems.

Target Group
HEI staff, representatives from EU institutions, NGOs, student organisations, and other stakeholders working on education, youth engagement, and climate action.

Participation is free of charge, but registration is required as places are limited.

Click here to register!

Skills for a burning world: the role of HEIs in climate action recognition

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Draft programme

12:00 – 13:00Welcome Lunch & Networking Enjoy a light lunch and connect informally with other participants.
13:00 – 13:15Opening & WelcomeIntroduction to the event, its goals, and how the afternoon will unfold.
13:15 – 13:30OpenPass4Climate Project OverviewA brief presentation of the OP4C project and its key outcomes.
13:30 – 14:15Panel – Skills for a Burning WorldA conversation on climate skills, student engagement, and the role of HEIs.
14:15 – 15:00

Deep dive dialogue – Microcredentials and the Climate Competence GapGroup discussion on the recognition of climate action through microcredentials.
15:00 – 15:10EnergizerA short, informal activity to re-energize and reset the room.
15:10 – 16:00Co-creation block – Shaping the Future of RecognitionFacilitated plenary: participants share ideas to make climate recognition credible and inclusive.
16:00 – 16:30Policy recommendations for HEIs: presentation and open discussionHighlights from the policy recommendations, followed by brief responses.
16:30 – 17:00ClosingFinal reflections and a group photo to wrap up the day.

Skills for a burning world: the role of HEIs in climate action recognition | 24 Sep 2025, Brussels

Fondation Universitaire - Rue d’Egmont, 11 - 1000 Bruxelles - Room A

UNICA - Network of Universities from the Capitals of Europe