THE NEWS

On 12–13 October 2026, the ESG4PMChange consortium met at the National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos” in Athens, Greece, for its 4th Transnational Project Meeting. Coordinated by the University of Novi Sad and locally organised by European Academy, the meeting marked a major milestone: moving from the development of the ESG learning framework to its real-world piloting.

OUR GOALS THIS WEEK

  • The Athens meeting marked an important milestone for ESG4PMChange, as the consortium officially moved towards WP4 – Piloting and Enhancing the Learning Framework. Partners confirmed 15 higher education pilot courses (11 revised and four new), expected to involve approximately 635 students across five universities. The pilots will also include Virtual Living Labs, scheduled for 5–23 April 2027, providing opportunities for practical learning and collaboration.

    In parallel, the VET pilot, led by European Academy and co-hosted by the University of Thessaly, will include a three-day training in Volos on 7–9 April 2027 for 26 participants. The consortium also discussed the micro-credential certification model presented by PM² Alliance, supporting the project’s target of 230 micro-credentials issued and over 500 student enrolments.

TAKING ESG SKILLS INTO FIVE EUROPEAN REGIONS

During a dedicated dissemination and communication workshop, partners outlined preliminary plans for five regional multiplier events. These events will share project results, engage education and industry stakeholders, and encourage wider uptake of ESG-oriented project management learning.

CONNECTING WITH THE SPM² SISTER PROJECT

The Athens meeting highlighted valuable synergies with SPM², a sister initiative supporting sustainability-oriented PM² education. Partners from UNS, UTH and UITM introduced the SPM² Guide v1.0, the Joint Staff Training and a structure of seven stackable micro-credentials at EQF Level 6. Participants explored the Educator Competency Radar self-assessment and took part in the interactive “Door Design Challenge”, opening discussion on how both projects can reinforce each other.

INNOVATION AND NETWORKING AT THE EA ENERGY LAUNCH EVENT

The meeting concluded on 13 October and was followed by the EA Energy Launch Event, providing an additional opportunity for networking, visibility and exchange with invited stakeholders. The programme also included a visit to the Hydrogen Production Unit, connecting project discussions with a practical example of energy innovation.

WHAT COMES NEXT?

With pilot courses, coordination arrangements and an evaluation approach now in place, the consortium is preparing for the implementation and testing of the learning framework.

Upcoming milestones include the second Online Ambassadors Workshop on 2 December 2026 and the final conference and 5th Transnational Project Meeting in Bologna and Venice on 3–4 June 2027.

Follow our journey as we turn ESG knowledge into practical skills for the next generation of project managers.