Formal, non-formal and informal learning

The Environmental Education Centres  (ECE) constitute a network of public educational institutions under the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports, focused on environmental education and its support at local, national and international levels, in accordance with Article 18 of Law 4823/2021 (Government Gazette A’ 136/03.08.2021).

The basic content is related to the following fields: 

• Ecology and Environment 

  • Natural Resources, Sustainable Management and Sustainability 

  • Biodiversity and Ecosystems 

  • Atmospheric Pollution and Climate Change 

The mission of the K.E.P.E.A. (Centers for Environmental Education) is:

• to support schools on issues of environmental education and sustainable development
• to connect the educational community with local society
• to implement educational programs
• to produce educational materials
• to collaborate with universities and other institutions

Three international Environmental Education and Sustainability Education programs operating in the form of a network are the following: 

• Ecological Schools

• Young Journalists

• Learning about Forests

The aforementioned educational programs are approved by the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports, while at the same time they are harmonized with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

Golden-green Leaf

The program ‘’Golden-green Leaf’’  constitutes an intergovernmental collaboration between Greece and the Republic of Cyprus in the field of environmental education. Established in 1994, it continues to be implemented with the central goal of education for sustainability, within the framework of cooperation between the competent Ministries of Education of the two countries.

Through joint educational activities involving students and teachers from both countries, it promotes the cultivation of environmental awareness, the development of collaborative skills, and a hands-on approach to issues concerning sustainable development, the natural environment, and cultural heritage.

Youth Assemblies 

The Youth Assemblies for Climate Change were participatory and hands-on activities implemented within the framework of the European research project ARSINOE (Climate Resilient Regions through Systemic Solutions and Innovations), funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 program and coordinated by the University of Thessaly. The aim of the Assemblies was to bring scientific knowledge closer to society, enhance youth participation in public dialogue on climate change, and develop policy proposals at the local level.

Within the framework of the program, Assemblies were organized with the participation of university and school students, who identified the challenges in their regions, assessed vulnerability and existing adaptation measures, and developed proposals to strengthen resilience against climate change. These activities concluded with the end of the ARSINOE program on 30 September 2025.

Today, youth participation in climate policy is embedded within the broader national and European framework for climate neutrality and climate change adaptation, as reflected in the National Climate Law 4936/2022.

Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature 

The Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (HSPN) is the country’s first environmental organization, with continuous activity since 1951 for the protection and sustainable management of Greece’s natural wealth.

The organization played a leading role in the establishment of National Parks and Protected Areas, contributed to the modernization of Greek environmental legislation, and supported the protection of habitats as well as endangered species of fauna and flora.

The Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (EEPF) represents in Greece the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and serves as the national operator of its international programs. It is also a member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Mediterranean Information Office for Environment Culture and Sustainable Development (MIO-ECSDE).

Since 2021, EEPF has aligned its strategy with FEE’s new strategy, GAIA 20:30, aiming to address the three major and interconnected challenges of our era: climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental pollution.

Its main areas of activity today are:

• Environmental interventions and nature protection actions

• Environmental education and knowledge dissemination

• Sustainable tourism management

• Public awareness-raising and information

• Partnerships in projects and programs with institutions, educational establishments, and social partners

Network of Higher Education Institutions for Sustainability 

The Network of Higher Education Institutions for Sustainability operates as a collaborative scheme of Greek universities with the aim of promoting the principles of sustainable development in education, research, governance, and the engagement of institutions with society.

Within the framework of its activities, working groups have been established for the revision of the Sustainability Charter of Greek Universities and for the development of guidelines on integrating sustainability into the strategic planning of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).

The promotion of sustainability in Higher Education Institutions forms part of the current institutional framework governing their operation, as defined by Law 4957/2022 on higher education, which provides for the preparation of strategic development plans and the conclusion of programmatic agreements with the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports.

Today, relevant sustainability initiatives in HEIs are implemented within the framework of institutional self-governance and their strategic planning, in alignment with national and European sustainable development policies.

Furthermore, the Sustainability Charter of Greek Universities constitutes a strategic document of principles for promoting sustainable development within the country’s Higher Education Institutions.

The purpose of the Charter is to integrate the principles of sustainability into education, research, governance, and universities’ engagement with society. It includes guidelines for the development of sustainable operational policies, the reduction of institutions’ environmental footprint, and the strengthening of environmental and social responsibility.

Educators Update 

The World’s Largest Lesson is available on the QualityNet Foundation website. The specific program is the official introductory material regarding the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, acknowledged by the UN. It is an educational material that is available worldwide and aims to contribute to awakening, informing and educating students aged 6 to 15 on the issues of the Global Goals, shaping the active citizens of tomorrow. It is developed by Project Everyone, with the support of Unicef and Unesco and it has reached over 130 countries and millions of children since 2015. The QualityNet Foundation in exclusive collaboration with Project Everyone undertook for Greece the translation and promotion of the educational material for the 17 SDGs in Primary & Secondary Education schools with the approval of the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports.

Law 4823/2021 

The Law 4823/2021 establishes the Education Centers for the Environment and Sustainability. The Centers have as their mission: 

• The support of school units in topics related to environmental education, with an emphasis on ecology and sustainable development 

  • The interconnection of the educational community with the local society, the promotion of sustainable practices and solutions to local issues 

Their role is educational, scientific and research, and in order to fulfill their mission they exercise, indicatively, the following responsibilities: 

• They support the school units regarding: the preparation and implementation of an educational action plan for environmental education, ecology and sustainable development, the participation of teachers and students in European programs, as well as in local, regional, national or international networks regarding environmental education, ecology and sustainable development 

• They implement educational programs and actions for students and training actions for teachers

• They adopt and promote communicative and teaching approaches and promote cooperation with the local community 

• They produce educational material in printed or digital form for school units They collaborate with Universities to develop research actions and educational activities 

• They collaborate with Universities in order to develop research and educational actions

• They organize days, events and scientific conferences and participate in European and international programs related to environmental education, ecology and sustainable development

The QualityNet Foundation is a non-profit organization specializing in Sustainable Development. It supports the adoption of the 2030 Agenda and the Global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the development of networking and dialogue, information initiatives, educational and scientific work as well as supporting Organizations towards the adoption of Sustainable policies.

According to data provided by the organization, its educational initiatives in Primary and Secondary Education have reached a significant number of schools and students across all regions of the country, through thematic educational programmes, digital platforms, and school competitions, including the Panhellenic Bravo Schools Competitions, implemented in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports.

WWF is an international non-governmental environmental organization, with a presence in more than 100 countries and millions of supporters worldwide. It is active in areas concerning biodiversity protection, tackling climate change, the sustainable management of natural resources, and the transition to sustainable production and consumption patterns.

With nature and people at the core of its mission, it implements public information and awareness-raising campaigns, with particular emphasis on the participation of young people and the educational community in environmental actions and initiatives.

In addition, it develops educational and pedagogical materials addressed to teachers at all levels, as well as to institutions involved in formal, non-formal, and informal learning. Its Environmental Education team designs and implements educational programs, workshops, and training activities, collaborates with schools and educators, and contributes to the dissemination of knowledge on contemporary environmental issues. 

Youth-targeted information campaigns on global issues

There is no standalone and comprehensive national strategy exclusively dedicated to youth participation across all global issues. However, in Greece, actions and initiatives are being developed by public authorities and civil society organizations that shape a framework for informing, raising awareness, and fostering the active participation of young people in areas such as Sustainable Development, Climate Change, Human Rights, and Equality.

In March 2021, by the decision of the Prime Minister Mr. Kyriakos Mitsotakis, a committee was established with the aim of Drafting the National Strategy for the Equality of LGBTQ+ ( Section 5.5). This Strategy constituted the first comprehensive policy framework for the promotion of equality and the combating of discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics.

Its implementation was accompanied by institutional and legislative interventions. In 2024, Law 5089/2024 was adopted, introducing marriage equality for same-sex couples and regulating related family law matters, thereby strengthening the institutional framework for the protection of the rights of LGBTI+ persons.

Local Conference of the Youth 

The Local Conference of the Youth (LCOY) constitutes an event that forms part of the international framework for youth participation in the process of the United Nations Framework Convention. Its aim is to act as a space for youth to become active in climate change issues at a local level, so that they can contribute to the respective international conferences. It is literally the local version of the international conference of youth (COY), which takes place immediately before the annual United Nations climate conference (COP). 

These conferences acted as platforms so that the views of young people on climate to be heard in many countries of the world. In Greece, LCOY was organized by the British Council, the British Embassy in Athens and WWF Greece and young people from AIESEC Greece, Ecotivity School, UN SDSN Youth Greece and The Land Beyond. The purpose of the event organization was: 

·  To highlight the need for immediate action on climate change

  To empower and encourage the younger generation to actively participate in shaping climate policies

  To formulate proposals and commitments for climate action

Greek Action Week for the 17 Goals 

The Greek Week of Action for the 17 Sustainable Development Goals is organized annually as part of the global mobilization for the Sustainable Development Goals, Global Goals Week. The aim of the initiative is to raise awareness and mobilize institutions, organizations, businesses, educational institutions, and citizens regarding the United Nations 2030 Agenda.

The coordinator of the Greek Week of Action is the QualityNet Foundation. Institutional and business stakeholders, the academic community, and civil society organizations participate in the initiative through projects, events, educational activities, and public interventions related to the 17 Goals.

Particular emphasis is placed on the participation of the school community. Through a dedicated online platform, guidelines and tools are provided for the development of action plans by students and teachers in thematic areas such as:

• Climate Action

• Gender Equality

• Protection of Nature and Biodiversity

• Social Justice

The initiative contributes to linking the educational community with global sustainable development issues and strengthens the active participation of young people in actions with social and environmental impact.

Greek Library of Goals 

The «in action for a better world» initiative of the QualityNet Foundation includes the development of the Greek SDGs Library, a digital platform featuring educational and informational content on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. 

The Library brings together teaching materials, educational programs, activity proposals, and thematic guides addressed to teachers, students, and organizations. Its objective is to strengthen education for sustainable development and to adapt the global SDG framework to the needs and priorities of Greek society.

The development of the Library is based on collaboration with educators, schools, and civil society organizations, with the aim of continuously enriching and updating its content.

Youth Polls on Climate Change – U-Report Greece

The U-Report Greece platform is a digital initiative of UNICEF and the Network for Children's Rights, accessible to young people aged 14–25 in Greece. The platform operates as a free and anonymous participation tool through which young people can express their views on social and political issues such as climate change, human rights, health, and quality of life.

Participants can register and take part in polls and consultations via applications such as Viber, Facebook Messenger, and WhatsApp. Through the platform, successive surveys are conducted and data are collected, which can be channeled to decision-making bodies, thereby strengthening the voice of young people in the public and political sphere.

Information providers

In Greece, the dissemination of information to young people on global issues, such as sustainable development, climate change, human rights, and social justice, is carried out by both public authorities and civil society organizations.

Among these are:

• The Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports, which through circulars, educational programs, thematic actions, and approvals of school initiatives, promotes the information and awareness of the school community on matters of international concern.

• QualityNet Foundation, which develops educational initiatives and digital platforms to promote the Sustainable Development Goals, with an emphasis on the participation of students and youth.

UNICEF, through activities and digital youth participation tools such as the U-Report Greece platform, which enables young people to express their views on social and global issues.

Key Initiatives

Within the framework of the Conference on the Future of Europe, the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports created an educational platform-simulation of the European digital participation platform. The aim of the initiative was to provide primary and secondary school students with the opportunity to formulate and publicly post their proposals on issues of European and global interest.

The thematic areas developed included:

• Climate change and the environment 

  • Health 

  • Stronger economy, social justice and job posts 

  • The European Union in the world 

  • Values and rights, rule of law and security 

  • Digital transformation 

  • European democracy 

  • Immigration 

  • Education, culture, youth and sports 

  • Other ideas 

The students’ proposals were publicly posted on the online platform and categorized by school and thematic area. The coordination of the initiative was carried out by the General Secretariat for Higher Education.