Regional Sustainability Influencer Academies launch in Vidzeme and Southwest Finland
New Regional Sustainability Influencer Academy programmes are launching for young people in Vidzeme, Latvia, and Southwest Finland as part of the INFLUENCE project. The academies offer local 18–25-year-olds an opportunity to explore climate and environmental work, understand decision-making at different levels, and discover different ways to turn their ideas and concerns into concrete action.
Young people are increasingly concerned about the environmental challenges facing society. Many experience uncertainty about the future. At the same time, they may feel disconnected from political decision-making or lack opportunities to influence decisions that affect their future.
The academies aim to create a space where young people can gain a better understanding of how society and decision-making work, meet people working on sustainability in different fields and find their own ways of making an impact.
During the academies in both regions, participants will explore topics such as municipal decision-making, opportunities to influence EU-level policy and the role of businesses in advancing climate action. The programmes include discussions, workshops, expert meetings, excursions and strengthening future-visioning skills, as well as opportunities for cross-border exchange between the Finnish and Latvian groups.
Discovering different ways to make an impact
A key focus in the Finnish academy program is on showing that there is no single way to make a difference. Participants will explore different forms of civic engagement and influencing, as well as the roles of municipalities, the EU, businesses, research and civil society.
“In the academy, young people will become familiar with local and national decision-making processes, as well as how decisions made at EU level ultimately affect the local level. However, not all young people find traditional democratic structures easily accessible. We therefore want to highlight the role of different actors and sectors and the variety of ways to influence society – from civic activism to business, research and the third sector,” summarises Anni Lahtela, Development Specialist at Valonia and coordinator of the academy in Southwest Finland.
In Southwest Finland, three mentors will support participants throughout the programme. One of them is Aliisa Wahlsten, a biodiversity expert, City Councillor in Turku and Chair of the Regional Council of Southwest Finland.
“Young people are needed now more than ever to come up with new ideas and challenge established ways of doing things. Every action, initiative and conversation can contribute to concrete change in decision-making, communities and people’s everyday lives,” says Wahlsten.
The other mentors are Marjaana Seppinen, an advocacy and influence specialist with experience in civil society and the business sector, and Tanya Santalahti, a farmer, researcher and board member whose perspective combines research on sustainable food systems with practical experience in agriculture and forestry.
From learning to action
The academy programs in both regions also provide opportunities to participate in regional climate and sustainability work. In Finland, the participants will have the chance to contribute to the implementation of the regional climate roadmap, while in Latvia, participants will take part in updating the regional development programme from a sustainability perspective.
“One of Vidzeme’s greatest assets is its people. That is why we must create opportunities for young people to take part in the region’s development and ensure their voices are heard. Young people will live with today’s decisions, so their perspective is essential to shaping a sustainable and liveable Vidzeme. The Regional Sustainability Influencer Academy will help young people to better understand regional development processes, express their views and contribute to drafting the Vidzeme Development Programme, becoming active co-creators of their region’s future. Participants will research, analyse and present ideas on how Vidzeme can develop sustainably in social, economic and environmental terms, and will prepare proposals for the next Development Programme,” says Lienīte Priedāja-Klepere, Project Manager at Vidzeme Planning Region.
Learn more about the academy in Finland (in Finnish): www.valonia/akatemiahaku
Learn more about the academy in Latvia: www.vidzeme.lv/en/projects/regional-sustainability-influencer-academy-influence/
