Over the past two weeks, ECUBES and UWC Adriatic have brought together a remarkable group of students for the internship programme “Imagining Futures for Renewables, led by ECUBES.
This was much more than an internship about energy technologies. It was an opportunity for young people to explore how they can contribute to building a more sustainable, interconnected, and resilient future.
Through an immersive programme on the Island of Cres, in Nova Gorica, and site-visits to AREA Science Park and Alpacem, students worked on three interconnected themes:
- Imagining how the future might unfold
Using scenario planning methodologies, students explored alternative futures and reflected on the key forces shaping our world between now and 2040.
- The role of hydrogen in a decarbonized society
Students gained insights into hydrogen ecosystems, renewable energy systems, and the opportunities and challenges of the energy transition.
- Global partnerships for a better world
Inspired by the EU Global Gateway approach, participants developed their own partnership proposals aimed at addressing energy, sustainability, and development challenges while contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Guided by mentors Steven Libbrecht and Stefan Kanya, the students combined critical thinking, creativity, and international perspectives to develop ideas for a more sustainable future.
The programme concluded with student presentations at UWC Adriatic in Duino, showcasing not only innovative project ideas but also the power of education, collaboration, and intercultural dialogue in addressing global challenges.
A sincere thank you to all students, mentors, partners, and colleagues who made this journey possible.
The future is not something we simply wait for—it is something we imagine, design, and build together.