UNICEF and Telekom Srbija join forces to support young people

Belgrade, 9 September 2026 – UNICEF Serbia and Telekom Srbija are launching a partnership aimed at developing young people’s green and digital skills, supporting their active participation in the green transition and creating sustainable solutions for local communities.

Over the next two years, around 500 adolescents will have an opportunity to gain knowledge and experience through hands-on training, work with expert educators and teamwork, enabling them to develop their own ideas, use modern technologies and help address environmental challenges in their communities.

The programme will be implemented in participating municipalities, where young people will learn through hands-on training how to use modern digital technologies to design solutions that contribute to energy efficiency and environmental protection. With the support of expert educators and mentors, they will work on concrete ideas and prototypes, gaining practical experience alongside new knowledge and developing teamwork and project skills that are important for their further education and professional development.

“Young people have the potential to drive sustainable change, but they need the knowledge and practical skills that will enable them to actively contribute to the development of their communities and find their place in the labour market more easily. Thanks to this partnership, adolescents will have access to non-formal learning programmes that bring together digital competencies, green skills and active citizenship,” said Jelena Kovačević from UNICEF.

The partnership is part of Telekom Srbija’s broader commitment to contributing to the sustainable development of society through responsible business practices and investment in education, youth empowerment, digitalization and environmental protection. The company continuously supports environmental initiatives, particularly biodiversity conservation projects. Through its partnership with UNICEF, it will also provide young people with opportunities to acquire the knowledge and skills needed for the green transition.

“By investing in young people’s knowledge and skills, we are laying the foundations for a more sustainable and resilient future for Serbia. This partnership is aligned with the direction clearly set out in the Telekom Srbija Group ESG Strategy – that technological progress reaches its full potential when it creates long-term value for people, communities and the environment. Together with UNICEF, we want to give young people an opportunity to turn their ideas into concrete green solutions and actively contribute to the development of their local communities,” said Zoran Karić, Environmental Protection Expert at Telekom Srbija and recipient of the “Leader in Sustainable Development” award in the individual category of the “ESG Leaders” competition organized by PwC Serbia.

As part of the partnership, a survey of young people will also be conducted through UNICEF’s U-Report platform, giving them an opportunity to share their views, ideas and needs related to environmental protection and sustainable energy and to participate more actively in decision-making on issues that affect their communities and their future.

Drawing on the programme’s experience and results, a digital Guide for Young People on Green Skills will also be developed and made available as a lasting educational resource.