Employees of the Regional Development Agency Bačka (RRA Bačka) stayed in Helsinki from May 18 to 24, 2025, where they participated in a five-day training program within the international project Green Skills for Sustainable Development. The goal of this training was to strengthen the capacities of employees through acquiring knowledge and skills that, in cooperation with the public and private sectors, will contribute to sustainable development and the transition to a green economy.

During the training, participants had the opportunity to learn about the causes and consequences of climate change and to discuss current facts and challenges in combating the climate crisis. Special attention was given to examining green values and attitudes that promote responsible environmental behavior. The training included methods and tools for climate education, focusing on topics such as pollution, personal consumption, consumer manipulation, fast fashion, and food waste.

Participants also gained deeper insight into the work of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the most relevant UN body for assessing scientific data on climate change. Discussions also covered the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which serve as a global framework for promoting ecological, economic, and socially sustainable development.

One of the key components of the training was learning about examples of sustainable practices in everyday life in Finland. Participants visited the Helsinki Central Library Oodi – one of the most advanced facilities of its kind in the world. Oodi is an example of an energy-efficient, multifunctional public institution that uses renewable energy sources, natural lighting and ventilation, and sustainable building materials. Automated book loan systems, internal logistics robots, and open community spaces illustrate how public institutions can contribute to sustainability in a modern and practical way.

In addition, visits were organized to the Helsinki City Museum, where participants toured an exhibition dedicated to waste management in Helsinki – from tracking the flow of waste to analyzing its environmental impact. The program also included visits to the National Library, Helsinki City Hall, and a one-day trip to Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, where participants visited Fotografiska restaurant, which operates on zero waste principles, further expanding their knowledge of sustainable hospitality practices.

The training contributed to expanding knowledge and raising awareness among employees about the importance of sustainable development. The acquired skills and information will be applied in their daily work – both in conducting training and implementing projects, as well as through collaboration with other institutions and organizations. In this way, RRA Bačka aims to actively contribute to building capacity for sustainable development and affirming the green transition in the Bačka region.

The project Green Skills for Sustainable Development is funded through the EU Erasmus+ Program.