The symposium brought together over 100 participants from Ukraine, Poland, and Slovakia who are interested in addressing global and regional environmental challenges in their countries through cross-border cooperation and the development of eco-skills on the path toward sustainable development.
The symposium united educators, students, and community representatives from the Visegrad Group countries and Ukraine to exchange best practices, strengthen cooperation, and explore innovative approaches to developing environmental skills for regional resilience.

The programme of the online symposium

The full video recording of the symposium

The project is implemented by A.S. Makarenko Sumy State Pedagogical University (Ukraine), Pomeranian University in Słupsk (Poland), and St. Cyril and Methodius University in Trnava (Slovakia) (More) with the financial support of the International Visegrad Fund’s Visegrad+ (About the fund).

This was the third scheduled event of the international grant project “Enhancing Eco-Skills Through Cross-Border Collaboration between V4 and Ukraine” No. 22420189, implemented with financial support from the International Visegrad Fund, with the NGO “EcoInitiative” as the beneficiary. Members of the NGO “EcoInitiative” – Valentyna Torianyk, Liudmyla Mironets, and Mykola Moskalenko – took part in the school as part of the team from Sumy State Pedagogical University named after A. S. Makarenko. During the school, academic staff, stakeholders, and students from the partner universities – Pomeranian University in Słupsk (Poland), University of Saints Cyril and Methodius in Trnava (Slovakia), and Sumy State Pedagogical University named after A. S. Makarenko (Ukraine) – exchanged experience in the development of eco-skills, designed environmental events and campaigns using regional landscape resources (including for different age groups), developed recommendations for integrating environmental components into educational programs, communication strategies for promoting ecological ideas, scenarios for ecological training sessions for youth (including at the community level), and environmental education programs based in protected natural areas. They also took part in thematic lecture-discussions and practical workshops. You can learn more about how the International Summer Scientific School “Best Practices of V4 Countries and Ukraine in Developing Eco-Skills” was held by visiting https://sspu.edu.ua/news-events-visegrad.

Location: Pomeranian University in Słupsk, Republic of Poland
Dates: 8–14 June 2025

Purpose and Objectives of the Summer School
The Summer Science School aims to promote cross-border exchange of experience in developing eco-skills among participants from Poland, Slovakia, and Ukraine. The program includes in-depth study of environmental concepts, practical skills in sustainable development, and innovative approaches to eco-education through the integration of theoretical knowledge and practical experience. The main objectives of the school are to exchange the best European and Ukrainian practices for achieving eco-sustainability, develop interdisciplinary cooperation among professionals from various fields, establish a network of international scientific collaboration in environmental education, and create scientific materials for further implementation in the educational process.

Invitation to participate is extended to

1. University faculty members from partner institutions are invited to participate, including lecturers of natural sciences and related disciplines, as well as researchers engaged in sustainable development and environmental education. Participation of specialists with experience in implementing eco-oriented projects and initiatives is especially encouraged.
2. Bachelor’s and master’s students are invited to participate. These include higher education seekers studying natural sciences and environmental specialties, as well as future lecturers of natural science disciplines. Priority is given to students with high academic achievements and an active stance on environmental sustainability issues.

Program
The Summer Science School program is designed as a comprehensive educational course combining expert lectures by leading scientists, interactive workshops, field research, and practical sessions. Participants will have the opportunity to visit environmentally significant sites in the Pomeranian Voivodeship, including the Słowiński National Park, the management of the Słupia River valley, and the wastewater treatment facilities in the city of Słupsk. A detailed event program with the schedule of lectures, workshops, and excursions is available via the provided link.
Program

Participation Conditions
Each partner university is invited to send 12 participants to the Summer Science School.
The Organizing Committee provides participants with:

1. free accommodation in the dormitory of the Pomeranian University in Słupsk;
2. full meals provided throughout the entire duration of the school; reimbursement of transportation expenses within the scope of the school program;
3. educational and informational materials;
4. certificates of successful completion of the school program.

Language of communication: English (basic proficiency required).

Selection Criteria and Application Procedure

1. For academic and teaching staff, experience in the field of environmental education or related areas is required. Scientific publications on sustainable development and environmental education are considered an advantage. Applicants must also submit a motivation letter explaining their reasons for participation.
2. For students, a high level of academic achievement and active participation in research on sustainable development issues or involvement in environmental initiatives are expected. A motivation letter is also required.

Deadlines and Application Submission Procedure

1. Applications are accepted until May 15, 2025, inclusive.
2. Selection results will be announced by May 20, 2025.
3. Confirmation of participation is due by May 25, 2025.
4. Departure to the venue is scheduled for June 7, 2025.
5. The study period is from June 8 to June 14, 2025.
6. Return is scheduled for June 15, 2025.

Documents for participation should be submitted to the project coordinator's email: olena.babenko@sspu.edu.ua

Expected Outcomes
The participants of the summer scientific school will contribute to the creation of an international scientific and educational space, promote the development of academic mobility, and help shape joint approaches to addressing modern environmental challenges. As a result of the school’s work, it is planned to prepare a collection of scientific materials and create an open online resource for teachers, researchers, and students, with the aim of building long-term partnerships between the participating universities on issues of ecological sustainability.

The organizing committee reserves the right to make changes to the program of the International Summer Scientific School “Best Practices of the V4 Countries and Ukraine in Developing Eco-Skills”and the terms of participation, with mandatory notification of the participants.

The forum gathered over 180 participants from Ukraine, Poland, and Slovakia who are committed to addressing global and regional environmental challenges through cross-border cooperation and the development of eco-skills for sustainable development. The event served as a platform for scientists, educators, and environmental professionals from three European countries to share experiences in effective medical waste management, monitoring biological invasions, utilizing green energy to combat climate change, exploring biofortification prospects, and assessing the environmental impact of agricultural activities. A special emphasis was placed on the importance of various forms of cooperation among project participants to foster ecological skills and environmental awareness. You can find the online forum program here:
Program Link
The project is being implemented by A.S. Makarenko Sumy State Pedagogical University (Ukraine), Pomeranian University in Słupsk (Poland), and the University of St. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava (Slovakia) (Details) with financial support from the International Visegrad Fund’s Visegrad+ program (Fund Website).

Olena Babenko (Sumy State Pedagogical University named after A.S. Makarenko, Ukraine), Dominika Vešelényiová (University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava, Slovakia), and Halyna Tkachenko (Pomeranian University in Słupsk, Poland). The meeting focused on organizational matters regarding the second event within the project implementation program—the International Online Forum—and preparations for the third event—the International Summer Scientific School at Pomeranian University in Słupsk.

The event brought together 186 participants from Ukraine, Poland, and Slovakia into a community focused on addressing global and regional ecological challenges in their countries through sustainable development initiatives and cross-border cooperation. Environmental experts from three European countries presented their latest research on the impacts of environmental pollution and climate change on wildlife, the ecological condition of rivers, ecosystem transformation processes caused by non-native species, innovative ecological developments utilizing microorganisms for environmental cleaning and restoration, waste bioconversion for the green transformation of European countries, and achieving climate neutrality in the long term. Webinar participants actively engaged in discussions with experts, shared their experiences, and exchanged knowledge on successful environmental research initiatives and methodologies. The webinar program is available here:
Program Link
The project is being implemented by A.S. Makarenko Sumy State Pedagogical University (Ukraine), Pomeranian University in Słupsk (Poland), and the University of St. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava (Slovakia) (Details) with financial support from the International Visegrad Fund’s Visegrad+ program (Fund Website).

In their feedback, they noted: 'We visited the excursion at the Botanical Garden of Sumy State Pedagogical University named after A.S. Makarenko. Once again, we were convinced that we live in a wonderful, picturesque country with beautiful nature and a pleasant climate. In a small area, plants from different corners of our planet grow peacefully... Nature itself teaches us that all nations and all countries of the world should also live in peace and harmony.'