At the renowned Project Management Best Practices Meetup, hosted by the Hellenic American Union, participants explored how modern methodologies like PM² are reshaping the project management profession. One of the standout contributions came from the ESG4PMChange project, which introduced a new perspective on how Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles can be systematically embedded into project design, training, and delivery.
As part of a broader panel on sustainability in project management, the presentation outlined how the ESG4PMChange initiative:
- Provides practical educational tools such as MOOCs and Open Educational Resources (OER),
- Encourages collaboration between universities, VET providers, and industry,
- Supports the development of ESG-focused competencies aligned with PM² methodologies.
Attendees responded enthusiastically, emphasizing the urgency of embedding ESG awareness into project leadership, especially in the context of shifting political and funding landscapes in Europe.
Where Innovation Meets Practice: From AI to Living Labs
The event’s agenda offered a forward-thinking blend of knowledge exchange and applied learning. In addition to keynote speeches and panel discussions, participants engaged in interactive breakout sessions and experienced a unique “Living Lab” environment, where simulated PM² project scenarios offered a dynamic way to apply theory in practice.
Key discussion areas included:
- Sustainability in PM²: How ESG can inform long-term project value
- AI Integration: Opportunities and ethical considerations in project automation
- Public Sector and EU Projects: Leveraging PM² to align with strategic governance goals
- Portfolio Management: Adapting PM² to real-time market dynamics
A special presentation by Mr. Nicos Kourounakis on behalf of the PM² Alliance further reinforced the value of the ESG4PMChange initiative, placing it within the larger European effort to modernize project management training and certification through sustainability lenses.
High Engagement and a Growing Community of Practice
The event brought together a diverse group of participants, including:
- Certified PM² trainers and consultants
- Project and portfolio managers from the public and private sector
- Academic staff and early-career professionals
- Sustainability experts and innovation leaders
Their engagement was evident throughout the meetup, with active participation in discussions, peer-to-peer learning moments, and strong feedback on the ESG4PMChange project’s relevance and potential. Many expressed interest in further collaboration, suggesting follow-up activities and deeper integration into the PM² learning ecosystem.
Participants noted the importance of resilience in project design and policy frameworks — underscoring that ESG is no longer a “nice-to-have,” but a necessary layer of responsible project execution.
