The HSE Institute of Ecology and the team of the Ecology is Everyone's Business Award held a joint seminar in Dagestan on the preparation of youth projects in the field of ecology for federal and international competitions. Teachers and students of more than 50 schools, colleges and universities of the republic took part in the event.

The representative of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Dagestan, Kinayat Yunusova, noted that the main priority today is to create conditions for the comprehensive development of children and the disclosure of their talents. And preferences for applicants for admission to universities motivate graduates to participate in competitions with projects in the field of ecology and sustainable development.

The seminar participants also talked about the importance of environmental education for young people. This is what the International Children's and Youth Award "Ecology is everyone's business" is aimed at. Natalia Porotnikova, a representative of the University, told about the best opportunities for professional and personal development of young people, in particular, the methods of the HSE Eco-School. She noted that projects in the field of eco-education, ESG entrepreneurship and ecotourism can become promising areas in Dagestan.

Irina Rezanova, Director of the Center for Interaction with Regions, told about the HSE University Educational District, which includes more than 500 schools from all over Russia. This partnership provides not only the opportunity to immerse students in academic reality, but also involves professional development programs for teachers and managers, expert support for schools, the possibility of developing new individual projects of schools with University departments. A striking example of such interaction is the Eco-School, a joint project of the Moscow School 2107 and the HSE Institute of Ecology. Irina Rezanova also reported on the effectiveness of the Social Elevator project, which helps motivated applicants who find themselves in a difficult life situation to enroll in one of the best universities in the country. According to this program, this year the HSE will accept up to 264 first-year students. All of them will receive financial support during the training. You can apply until June 9. The rules and procedure for participation are posted on the university's website www.hse.ru/lift .

The seminar was also supported by the Technology Platform "Technologies of Ecological Development", which includes more than 300 leading companies and universities in Russia and more than 100 experts who are ready to provide consulting support to youth projects. Irina Nizhnik, Director for Regional Development of the Tech Platform, also noted the importance of forming her own portfolio of young people and developing competencies in the field of ESG business for future careers.

At the regional level, the partner of the event was the Federal State Budgetary Institution "Dagestan State Reserve". Maryam Magomedova, a specialist in environmental education of the Reserve, shared her experience of eco-educational events, the organization of ecotourism and the tasks on the basis of which she recommended creating projects relevant to the region.

All participants received prizes from the International Children's and Youth Award "Ecology is everyone's business" and certificates from the HSE and partners.