EcoEducation: Ukraine’s First Virtual Academy for the Green Transformation Professionals

The world is changing faster than university curricula. Industry, energy, and local communities are already moving toward “green” standards, while higher education institutions often lack the tools to prepare the next generation of practitioners.

To bridge this gap, the Professional Association of Environmentalists of the World (PAEW), in partnership with NAEC Energoatom and the Office of Sustainable Solutions, launched EcoEducation — Ukraine’s first virtual academy where educators, students, and industry experts learn together.

The program combines 12 educational modules, practical case studies from Ukraine and abroad, and mentorship from leading experts at Arzinger, EVERLEGAL, Ukrenergo, business schools, and major industrial enterprises.
It is more than an online course — it is a bridge between theory and practice, helping educators modernize their approach and students gain the competencies demanded by today’s economy.

Environmental Education as a Pillar of Recovery and Resilience

“Environmental education is needed not someday and not only for recovery — it’s needed to win, to endure. The country that rebuilds differently — intelligently, efficiently, and safely for people and nature — will be the one that prevails,”
— said Liudmyla Tsyhanok, Founder and Director of the ESG Academy PAEW.

Environmental education has become a matter of national security. It builds professional communities capable of making decisions that strengthen the country’s resilience.
Investing in “green” education is not an expense — it is an investment in the nation’s ability to recover and thrive.

The Next Step — Aligning Education, Business, and the State

For the green recovery to succeed, three key actors must act together:

• Universities must update curricula, introduce real-case capstone projects, and implement dual education programs.

• Businesses should open production sites for student practice, invest in mentorship, and co-develop course content with university departments.

• The State needs to launch financial and tax incentives for mentor-employers, ensure clear ESG regulations, and engage international funds in workforce training programs.

Without a systemic approach — from updated programs to mentorship tracks and measurable outcomes — Ukraine risks having “projects on paper” but no qualified professionals to bring them to life.

Building a Professional Ecosystem for Ukraine’s Green Recovery

The EcoEducation initiative demonstrates how constructive action can replace criticism.
Behind it stands an unprecedented concentration of expertise — lawyers, ecologists, analysts, mentors, scholars, and government representatives.

“Every year we prove that action instead of criticism, and real assistance instead of rhetoric, is what Ukraine truly needs today — to take responsibility and shape its future,”
— emphasized Liudmyla Tsyhanok.

For Global 100% RE Ukraine, this project is further proof that the green transformation begins with education.
We support the development of environmental education as the foundation for Ukraine’s sustainable recovery.
Because achieving 100% renewable energy is impossible without 100% prepared people — professionals, educators, and leaders who are building a new economy that is safe for the environment, the energy system, and society.