Pascal Wieser, Co-CEO of myclimate, welcomed the guests in the evening and emphasised the importance of education on the path to net zero. The presentation by Linda Sulzer, Managing Director of the Büro für Wagemut, provided a central impulse. Using the “ABC of courageous philanthropy - Act Now, Be bold, Come together”, she showed how grant-making foundations can actively shape social change: Through long-term thinking, systemic approaches and the courage to endure uncertainty.
Social change requires funding approaches that not only enable projects, but also allow for development - in the long term, in a way that allows for apprenticeship and with trust in the actors involved. trust in the actors involved.*actors
A brief presentation of the zukunftsschlau educational programme showed how Climate Education can also be designed to be low-threshold and activating. Melanie Graf, project manager, surprised the participants with small “consumption monsters” placed under the chairs, learning figures from the programme for 3rd to 9th grade.
The figures made people smile, but above all made them think. During the aperitif that followed, they provided an informal opportunity to discuss consumer behaviour, educational approaches and possible paths towards net zero - in a concrete, playful way and close to everyday life. Gioanna Michel also presented the “Binz Pilot Neighbourhood” project, a model neighbourhood on the way to net zero 2050 in the city of Zurich. Mischa Kaspar also presented the “Skills for Future” vocational training programme with lively anecdotes from apprentices' projects on dried flowers and double bale tongs.
A subsequent panel discussion centred on the skills that young people need today to actively contribute to sustainable development. The focus was on critical thinking, design skills, collaboration and courage to act, among other things. Moderated by Felix Schönenberger from myclimate, Manuel Bucher, German teacher at Schule Wiedikon, Doris Kamber from UBS Social Impact, Joy Amendola from the Beisheim Foundation and Gioanna Michel from myclimate discussed how the interaction between funding foundations, Climate Education and committed schools can contribute to the long-term anchoring of future skills in the next generation. These are all skills that are considered crucial in research on education for sustainable development and behavioural pathways in climate protection.
The event highlighted the importance of sustainable partnerships for effective Climate Education. Together with funding partners such as the Seedling Foundation, the Ernst Göhner Foundation, the Beisheim Foundation Switzerland and other foundations, myclimate strengthens the future skills of children and young people in Switzerland - scientifically sound, impact-oriented and with a view to long-term effects.
