On the picturesque shores of Liepāja, Latvia, a youthful event unfolded on October 19, 2023, marking a significant milestone in the journey towards sustainable development and innovation in the Blue Economy. Our “Blue Economy Youth Entrepreneurship” event brought together a vibrant community of thinkers, innovators, and future leaders, all united by a common passion for the oceans and their boundless potential.
A Deep Dive into the Blue Economy
The afternoon kicked off with an enlightening session by Birutė Andruškaitė, a blue economy advisor, who set the stage by exploring the essence and importance of the Blue Economy. Her insights laid a solid foundation for understanding how sustainable use of ocean resources can lead to economic growth, improved livelihoods, and environmental health.
Following Birutė, Agnese Zvirbule, a sustainable shipping professional, shared her expertise on the Blue Economy in Norway, highlighting the country’s innovative approaches to maritime activities and ocean conservation. Her presentation underscored the global nature of the Blue Economy and the importance of international collaboration.
Andrius Sutnikas, development manager at Klaipėda Science and Technology Park, then took the stage to discuss present and future opportunities within the Blue Economy. His forward-looking perspective inspired attendees to consider the untapped potential of the sector and the role of youth in shaping its future.
The event also shone a spotlight on social innovations in the Blue Economy, with Milda Nutautienė, coordinator of the Expedition “Save the Baltic Sea!”, sharing inspiring stories of initiatives aimed at preserving marine ecosystems. Her session emphasized the critical role of social responsibility and community engagement in driving positive change.
A highlight of the day was the interactive workshop, where participants were encouraged to develop business cases related to the Blue Economy. These ideas, brimming with creativity and innovation, were shared with potential investors, showcasing the participants’ vision for sustainable enterprises of the future.
Building Connections Over Coffee and Conversations
As we reflect on the success of the “Blue Economy Youth Entrepreneurship” event, we extend a heartfelt invitation to libraries across the globe to join us as partner-libraries in our next project. This is an opportunity to be at the forefront of promoting knowledge, innovation, and community engagement in the Blue Economy. Together, we can inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs and environmental stewards, fostering a culture of sustainability and innovation. Let’s ride the wave of the Blue Economy together, we are inviting all coastal libraries to become our partners, sharing and caring about the water pollution and youth entrepreneurship in the blue economy. Contact us and become our network partner: projektai@biblioteka.lt
For more information about the project and how to get involved, please visit https://www.biblioteka.lt/bluelibraries/
Birutė Andruškaitė, Cultural Project Administrator, IT and Project Management Divisions at Klaipeda City Municipality Imanuelis Kantas Public Library (Lithuania)
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