Young people will be given the opportunity to propose innovative ideas and solutions for the future during an educational programme focused on climate change; ‘SeedGreen’.
This programme was put together by the Ministry for the Environment, Climate Change and Planning with the Junior Chamber International Malta (JCI Malta) and the support of Malta Enterprise, as well as the Ministry for Energy, Enterprise and Sustainable Development.
Minister Aaron Farrugia explained that this educational programme was created in order to provide participants with the opportunity to develop innovative ideas into solutions, as a response to the climate crisis. Participants will be provided with all the necessary tools to develop their ideas with the potential of becoming start-ups with sustainable solutions and services that are well adapted to the current market.
Minister Farrugia reiterated that climate change is considered to be one of the greatest global environmental crises of our time, and that while the government is taking ambitious action to mitigate the effects, the contribution of citizens, young people, businesses, industry and all social groups is essential in order for the country to reach its environmental targets, for the benefit of all.
Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Sustainable Development Miriam Dalli urged young people to be part of the shift to a cleaner economy. “This transition requires the involvement of everyone, and of every sector, including enterprises. Through Malta Enterprise, we are encouraging entrepreneurs, especially youths, to be innovative. We are doing this through incentives and direct support that leads businesses to more sustainable operations.”
Minister Dalli continued to urge businesses to be active participants in the transition to a more sustainable economy. “Climate change impacts all of us, both environmentally, as well as our quality of life. This is why economic sectors are being encouraged and assisted to do their part.”
Chief Executive of Malta Enterprise Kurt Farrugia said that one of the main pillars of the strategy, which is being adopted by Malta Enterprise, is to engage economic development with quality of life. “We are continuing to work on the principles and importance of wellbeing, by taking actions on climate change and sustainability. The involvement with ClimateOn fits perfectly with the agenda that we are currently adopting. Together with actions on climate change and the attraction for start-ups, it can increase economic activity, whilst providing solutions to the problem we are facing on a day-to-day basis,” the CEO said.
This educational programme is expected to commence in the coming weeks and will carry on until the end of September. Part of this programme will also include qualifications of the best ideas, in which participants will be chosen to show how they will implement their idea into their new business in a feasible way. The programme will also identify and award the best three ideas and the winners of this programme will be awarded an amount of funds in order to continue developing their start-up ideas with Malta Enterprise.
JCI President Nicole Borg said that JCI is delivering on its 2021 promise to create true leaders for change. “How better to deliver on such a promise than to create a programme that equips young people to think of businesses that respect future generations and that want to do something about it?,” she said.
Interested parties are being asked to submit their application on www.seedgreen.org. More information can be obtained from the same site or from the site www.environment.gov.mt or by calling 23316229. The initiative is being carried out together with JCI Malta, which aims to help young people between the ages of 18 and 40 who require training on starting their own business, with the aim of enacting positive change.
