Green Skills Award 2026 - Meet the finalists
Celebrating global innovation in green and sustainable skills
The European Training Foundation (ETF) is delighted to launch this year's edition of the Green Skills Award, recognising six incredible projects that are leading the way in green skills development, sustainability education, and climate action. Innovative in their design and inspirational in their impact, each project tackles local challenges with the potential to expand and scale.
What unites these finalists is a shared belief that environmental skills and community engagement, when placed at the heart of learning and work, can drive real change towards more inclusive, circular and sustainable economies.
Launched in 2021 by the ETF, the Green Skills Award recognises real-world solutions that empower individuals and communities to drive sustainable change. From community-based training projects, to recycling initiatives and renewable energy programmes, these initiatives are proof that climate action starts with education.
Meet the six finalists – and be part of the change by voting for your favourite project. Your vote helps amplify innovative voices and shape a greener future for us all.
Follow on social media: #GreenSkillsAward
Watch the video playlist of our finalists.
Meet the Finalists
(in alphabetical order):
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Placing green skills and sustainability at the heart of fashion
Textile and fashion company Sugar on Top is embedding circular production skills into a working business – training local designers and artisans in zero-waste pattern-making, upcycling, hand-dyeing and material traceability. In a country where these skills aren't yet taught in schools, this Sarajevo studio is stepping in to fill the gap, helping transform fashion into a greener, more inclusive and sustainable industry.
READ MORE to explore Bosnia and Herzegovina's circular fashion success story.
Cyprus: Turning used cooking oil into a green education movement
Tiganokinisi, or the Frying Pan Movement, engages over 530 Cypriot schools and 100,000 students anually in collecting used cooking oil, converting it into biodiesel and reinvesting the proceeds in school sustainability projects. Circular economy principles are taught through doing, building green skills and environmental awareness across an entire generation.
READ MORE to explore Cyprus's green energy success story.
Jordan: Building a skilled workforce for the renewable energy transition
The German Energy Academy has trained over 1,200 people in solar installation, energy efficiency and e-mobility since 2021 – with 60% finding green sector employment. Combining German technical standards with hands-on learning, this programme specifically opens doors for women and refugees ensuring everyone can participate in the country's green transition.
READ MORE to explore Jordan's clean energy workforce success story.
Nepal: Converting e-waste into skills, jobs and a repair revolution
Doko Recyclers train school students, women and waste workers to repair electronics rather than discard them. Working with waste collection centres, the programme helps provide stable incomes for families and communities. The development of Nepal's first certified e-waste curriculum embeds circular economy skills into the national education system, turning waste handling into skilled, dignified green employment.
READ MORE to explore Nepal's inclusive and empowering recycling success story.
Peru: Training young glacier ambassadors to protect the Andes
In Peru's Cordillera Blanca, the Young Glacier Ambassadors programme trains young people from mountain communities in glaciology, citizen science and environmental communication. Combining scientific skills with indigenous knowledge, graduates monitor glacial retreat, engage local communities on water security, and develop and lead environmental micro-projects – becoming the climate advocates the region urgently needs.
READ MORE to explore Peru's youth-led, citizen science success story.
Uzbekistan: Transforming students into sustainability leaders, one school at a time
What began with a history teacher noticing the misuse of recycling bins has grown into a movement across 25 schools and 25,000 students. The Sustainable Future Society trains students, teachers and parents in practical green skills, empowering young people to audit, plan and lead real environmental change in their communities.
READ MORE to explore Uzbekistan's student-led green skills success story.