Kosovo showcases progress in integrating green skills into formal education system

Prishtina, 26 June 2026 – Representatives of public institutions, schools, academia, international partners and students gathered today at the University of Prishtina, to review progress on strengthening education system and empowering young people to respond to environmental challenges. Prorector of the University of Prishtina, Ms. Majlinda Gjelaj, representatives from the Ministry of Education and Science, the Swedish Ambassador to Kosovo, Mr. Jonas Westerlund and UNICEF, “Integrating Green Skills for a Sustainable Future: Experiences from Schools” event highlighted Kosovo’s progress in integrating green skills, environmental sustainability and climate awareness into formal education. It also showed experiences from schools and students, demonstrating how classroom learning can support practical action for a healthier and more sustainable future.

The initiative is part of the regional project “Improving Air Quality in the Western Balkans” , implemented by UNICEF and the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, with the support of Sida. In Kosovo, this has contributed to curriculum development, teacher training, educational materials, youth engagement and advocacy on air quality, climate change and environmental sustainability. In addition, through the programme, youth consultations were conducted on key environmental policy developments in Kosovo, including the Voluntary Nationally Determined Contributions, and the Climate Change Adaptation Strategy. These consultations provided a platform for children and young people to contribute directly to high level discussions, ensuring key policy consider both their perspectives and the specific risks and vulnerabilities they face.

“By equipping young people with green skills today, we are investing in Kosovo’s ability to shape a resilient, sustainable tomorrow. Sweden is proud to support educators and students who are turning environmental awareness into meaningful action ,“– highlighted the Ambassador of Sweden to Kosovo, Mr. Jonas B. Westerlund

Moreover, green skills teacher training modules have been developed and accredited for in-service teachers and integrated into the Faculty of Education syllabus for pre-service teacher education. More than 400 teachers have been equipped with new knowledge and tools, while classroom implementation has already reached thousands of students across Kosovo. An e-learning module on air quality has also been made available through the Kosovo distance learning platform, expanding access to environmental education for students.

“Green skills are not abstract; they translate into awareness, ideas, solutions, innovation, everyday habits, and tools for navigating the future,” said Ms. Veronika Vashchenko, Head of UNICEF Office in Kosovo. “Equipping young people with these tools is not optional; it is a matter of human rights. Climate change affects children’s rights to life, health, education, food, water and development, with children bearing the greatest burden despite contributing the least to the problem.”

A keynote presentation by Prof. Asoc. Dr. Zeqir Veselaj from the Faculty of Education reflected on achievements, lessons learned and the way forward in integrating green skills into formal education systems. The presentation highlighted key achievements, including the assessment of pre-university curricula against the EU Green Competence Framework, the development and Ministry-accreditation of teacher training modules, the strengthening of teachers' capacities, and the positive impact of these interventions on classroom practice.

Teachers and students from “Mihal Grameno” School in Fushë Kosovë, “Qamil Batalli” School in Prishtina, and “Shkolla e Gjelbër” School in Prishtina shared their classroom experiences, including practical examples of how green skills have influenced teaching, student engagement and everyday environmental habits.

The event concluded with an exhibition of student and school-level work on green skills, providing a platform to present practical results and discuss opportunities to further institutionalize and scale up green education across Kosovo.

By embedding green skills into teaching and learning, Kosovo is taking important steps to prepare children and young people with the knowledge, competencies and confidence needed to contribute to climate action, environmental protection and sustainable development.