Thirty young people from the municipalities of Khobi and Poti came together for the Green Champions summer camp, a new initiative by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) aimed at equipping young people with the skills to lead climate action and sustainable development in their communities.
The three-day camp is part of the broader ‘Greening the Future’ initiative, a regional project funded by the Government of Denmark and implemented by UNDP in Georgia and Moldova. Running from 2024 to 2027, the program seeks to strengthen environmental governance, promote a climate-sensitive economy, and support inclusive local development. In Georgia, the project focuses on the municipalities of Khobi and Poti, where it aims to create practical models for a green and just transition that can later be replicated elsewhere in the country.
During the camp, participants explore a wide range of topics related to environmental sustainability and future employment opportunities. Sessions cover waste management, the circular economy, sustainable fashion, green entrepreneurship, leadership, communication, teamwork, project design, and the professions expected to play a key role in the green economy.
The program extends beyond students. Up to 20 teachers from 10 schools are also taking part, receiving training that will help them guide and mentor students as they transform environmental ideas into practical community projects.
Following the summer camp, participants will spend the coming months refining their ideas before submitting them through a competitive selection process. Up to 10 winning initiatives will receive mentorship and practical implementation support, allowing students to put their concepts into action in their municipalities.
The Green Champions program is designed to encourage young people to become active participants in shaping local environmental policy and sustainable development rather than simply learning about climate change in the classroom.
The initiative forms part of UNDP’s wider effort to support Georgia’s transition toward a greener economy while ensuring that local communities benefit from new opportunities. The ‘Greening the Future’ project promotes energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable mobility, circular economy practices, and nature-based solutions, while also encouraging businesses, civil society organizations, and citizens to participate in local climate action. The program aims to strengthen local economic development, increase investment in green businesses, reduce carbon emissions, and create new employment opportunities through green skills and innovation.
The regional project has a total budget of $10.8 million, with approximately $4.29 million allocated to Georgia. Alongside environmental objectives, it seeks to reduce regional disparities by supporting sustainable development in municipalities outside the country’s major urban centers and by fostering greater citizen participation in local decision-making.
The Green Champions initiative is implemented by UNDP Georgia with financial support from the Embassy of Denmark in Georgia and in partnership with ‘WEG World Experience for Georgia’. Organizers say the program demonstrates how investing in young people and local communities can help accelerate Georgia’s green transition while building practical solutions for a more sustainable future.
By Lana Kokaia
