On 17 February 2025, the GenB project hosted an engaging online mutual learning workshop that brought together GenB ambassadors, aged 13 to 30, from 10 different countries across Europe and beyond. The session, which ran from 18:00 to 20:00 hours, also welcomed at least one GenB partner from each participating country.
The workshop provided a platform for GenB ambassadors to reflect on their journeys, share challenges and lessons learned, and recall their favourite memories. The event fostered a strong sense of community and inspiration as ambassadors shared powerful stories of raising awareness about the bioeconomy.
Reflections on challenges and lessons learned
Ambassadors highlighted several challenges, such as communicating complex bioeconomy concepts to unfamiliar audiences, difficulties in engaging initially disinterested audiences, and engaging high school students. Fear of public speaking and balancing time with academic or professional commitments were also common hurdles.
Despite these challenges, the ambassadors showed resilience and creativity. They found that simplifying technical language, using relatable stories, and providing hands-on activities were effective in raising awareness. Overcoming the fear of public speaking proved to be a transformative experience for many. The GenB capacity building webinars played a crucial role in equipping them with the knowledge and confidence needed to engage diverse audiences with the topic on the bioeconomy.
Interactive discussions and future outlook
The ambassadors also discussed how to continue their work without the official support of the GenB project. In addition, FVA, the GenB project partner supporting the “taking a role” activities of the GenB ambassadors, provided them with concrete next steps. In addition to a refresher on the GenB toolkit, the participants were informed that GenB partners will be looking for further engagement opportunities in the final months of the project and beyond. The GenB project partners also plan to secure new projects that will continue involving the ambassadors. Finally, the experiences of the GenB ambassadors will be consolidated and shared with the European Commission and other projects and initiatives involving young people.
A heartfelt conclusion
The event concluded with an emotional “award’s ceremony” where project partners and regional representatives expressed their gratitude for the ambassadors’ commitment. The workshop ended on an optimistic note, with participants encouraged to continue raising awareness of sustainable practices and the bioeconomy beyond the project’s duration.