Participation of the ILCA Project and the University of Forestry – Sofia in the Humanitarian Networks and Partnerships Weeks (HNPW), 6–10 May 2024, Geneva, Switzerland

We’re excited to share news from this year’s Humanitarian Networks and Partnerships Weeks (HNPW), held 6–10 May 2024 in Geneva, Switzerland.

This event brings together leaders from the humanitarian sector—including representatives of the ILCA project (Innovation Laboratories for Climate Actions)—to collaborate and exchange experiences and ideas aimed at sparking innovation. Organized by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), this annual gathering serves as a vital platform for practitioners and experts from diverse backgrounds.

We are grateful for the significant contributions of all participants—especially the Ministry of the Interior of Finland, Savonia University of Applied Sciences, and members of the ILCA consortium. Their involvement added considerable value to our discussions on promoting sustainable solutions in humanitarian crises. During the opening session, Mr. Jari Honkanen from Finland’s Ministry of the Interior emphasized the importance of long-term cooperation in research, development, and innovation (RDI) to support the green transition. Our sessions, ‘Climate Security in Humanitarian Crisis Situations’ and ‘How to Strengthen Human Capital in Climate Innovation During Humanitarian Crises,’ were led by esteemed moderators from EIT Climate‑KIC—Ms. Solveig Zophoniasdottir and Ms. Pamela Ragazzi. Together, we explored ways to foster sustainable solutions while adhering to the principles of Agenda 2030. Insights shared by participants underscored the need for collaboration and ecosystem-building to introduce new solutions into local communities. Key themes included effective communication, the courage to ask questions, respect for traditional knowledge, and the critical role of data management in addressing complex challenges. On behalf of the ILCA project team at the University of Forestry, Associate Prof. PhD Eng. Emil Kichukov presented the jointly developed Climate Roadmap for the municipality of Sandanski, created in collaboration with Savonia University of Applied Sciences, Finland.

We believe that the exchange of ideas at HNPW 2024 has enhanced our understanding and capacity for innovation in humanitarian crisis response.

PROJECT INFORMATION

Project Leader for the University of Forestry: Assoc. Prof. PhD Eng. Emil Rosenov Kichukov

ILCA unites 5 higher education institutions and 3 research organizations under the theme CLIMATE:

1. University of Savona, Finland – coordinator
2. Stefan Cel Mare University – Suceava, Romania
3. Forestry University – Sofia
4. Lithuanian Research Center for Agriculture and Forestry – Vilnius, Lithuania
5. Natural Resources Center (Luke) – Helsinki, Finland
6. College of Technology and Design – Vilnius, Lithuania
7. “Yuri Fedkovich” University – Chernivtsi, Ukraine
8. National Scientific Center “Institute of Agriculture of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine” – Chabany, Ukraine

The official logos and names of the consortium participants are presented below:

The project aims to strengthen human capital in climate innovation and systemic problem-solving entrepreneurship. It develops multidisciplinary capacity for climate and social innovation by establishing Climate Innovation Labs and involves actors from entrepreneurial ecosystems in the design of climate innovation.

The future participation of students in the innovation laboratory is of particular importance to the project.

The project consists of five work packages, the first 3 of which are of particular importance for the teachers and students at LTU, namely:

• Work Package 1 (WP1). This work package aims to increase the innovation capacity of the University of Forestry through courses and mentoring of students, faculty and staff.
• Work package 2 (WP2). The second work package aims to jointly develop climate innovations with the help of innovation labs and engage actors in smart specialized ecosystems.
• Work package 3 (WP3). In it, we contribute to the growth and competitiveness of regional business by developing and/or improving the HEI’s business incubator infrastructure and service offering based on the needs of start-ups and beyond. In this package, LTU teachers and students will participate in the consultation process on any issues that cover their competences.

The official international website of the project is: https://ilca-project.eu/about-project/

Facebook site of the Bulgarian part of the Project: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087656869334