On 20-21 November 2023, the BioBeo consortium gathered in Warsaw, Poland, to present ongoing developments and receive critical feedback from the Advisory Board. This pivotal meeting showcased the consortium’s collective progress in advancing bioeconomy education, a groundbreaking topic being integrated into school curricula across Europe. As key player in this initiative, Parents International emphasized the role of parental engagement and child participation in creating inclusive and effective educational frameworks.

The Warsaw Meeting: Strengthening Bioeconomy Education Frameworks

Aligned with the EU’s education policy priorities—such as sustainable development, inclusion, and open schooling—BioBeo aims to deliver a comprehensive educational programme applicable to all school levels. Beyond curriculum development, the initiative supports new governance and policy approaches that include meaningful participation from parents, students, educators, and other stakeholders. During the meeting, Parents International presented its ongoing work in the governance and policy work package, including efforts to foster shared leadership and decision-making at every governance level, from classrooms to European policy platforms. A training manual encapsulating these practices is set to be finalized by the end of 2023.

Collaborative Approaches to Parental Engagement and Child Participation

Recognizing the essential role of families and children in bioeconomy education, Parents International has developed tailored parental engagement and child participation elements for the BioBeo educational programme. These elements ensure that bioeconomy education is not just about knowledge transfer but also about creating a collaborative ecosystem that values contributions from all stakeholders.

To ensure effective implementation, the BioBeo consortium has organized targeted training sessions:

• In Maynooth, teachers from Ireland, the Netherlands, and Belgium will undergo comprehensive training to prepare for local programme delivery.
• In Germany, the University of Hohenheim and Ludwigsburg University, a leading teacher training institution, will collaborate on workshops tailored for educators.

These sessions are designed to empower educators with the knowledge and tools needed to incorporate bioeconomy concepts into their teaching, ensuring that the curriculum resonates with students and addresses contemporary societal challenges.

Looking Ahead: The BioBeo Festival and Awards

The consortium is also preparing to celebrate its progress through two major initiatives in 2024:

1. The BioBeo Festival, scheduled for 15 March 2024 in Brussels, will bring together educators, policymakers, and community members to showcase the potential of bioeconomy education in fostering sustainability and inclusion.
2. The BioBeo Awards will recognize outstanding contributions from schools, educators, and stakeholders who have excelled in promoting bioeconomy education and collaboration.

These events highlight BioBeo’s commitment to engaging the broader community and celebrating innovation in education. They serve as platforms to raise awareness, share best practices, and inspire further action toward embedding bioeconomy education into the fabric of European education systems.