Inside Out: No Change Without Inner Change

That was the theme of Groene Peper 2024, which took place today at Windesheim University of Applied Sciences in Zwolle. And what an inspiring day it was!

Photos by Anne-Roos ‘t Hart

Sustainable Development Starts with Ourselves

The day began with bringing out our inner voices. Then, the day’s hosts Ana Pandurevic and Enrico Bosters from Studenten voor Morgen took over. They guided us through the world of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Inner Development Goals (IDGs). The IDGs provide a framework for the inner development necessary to achieve the SDGs.

Noortje Vegter, Coordinator for Sustainable Education at Windesheim University of Applied Sciences, agreed. “Sustainable education starts with students. If we help students develop their inner values and teach them essential skills, they will be better equipped to contribute to a more sustainable world.”

Engaging Youth in the Sustainable Future

Keynote speaker Wadner van den Heuvel, chair of a working group within the Young Climate Movement, called for greater youth involvement in sustainability processes. “Listen to their voices and involve them in decision-making,” said Van den Heuvel.

Awards and Winners

Various awards were also presented during Groene Peper 2024. The Rachel Carson Graduation Award for the best thesis on a sustainable theme went to Carolina Sinisaly (HBO) for her thesis ‘Achieving airport carbon neutrality with Airport Carbon Accreditation’ and Laura Steel Pascual (WO) for her thesis ‘And why do you care? Exploring the EU’s motivations towards climate migration and displacement.’

In the Sustainability in Education Challenge, no fewer than eight winners were selected from MBO, HBO, and WO levels. They presented their creative and inspiring ideas for a more sustainable future in education.

Van Hall Larenstein won the Sustainabul for the third consecutive time, the ranking for higher education in sustainability.

Experience Program and IDGs

In addition to keynote speakers, award presentations, and workshops, this year featured a special experience program focused on the IDGs. Students could reconnect with themselves and gain inspiration through guided meditation, a biodiversity walk, and a dance performance.

Kees Klomp on the Meaning Economy

The day concluded with a keynote by Kees Klomp, program manager at AGENCY! at Windesheim University of Applied Sciences. Klomp discussed the Meaning Economy and emphasized the importance of intrinsic motivation among students. “Education is about knowledge, but change begins with personal development,” said Klomp. “Students who know what they find important and feel motivated to make a difference are the key to a more sustainable future.”

Groene Peper 2024: An inspiring day full of knowledge, connection, and action!

We want to thank all the speakers, workshop facilitators, organizers, participants, and partners for their contributions to the success of Groene Peper 2024.