Providing students with skills to help build a sustainable economy
The European Union generates nearly 7 million tonnes of textile waste annually, highlighting the urgent need for a circular economy. The EU’s 2020 Circular Economy Action Plan aims to reduce resource consumption, encourage recycling, and create sustainable jobs. To support this transition, the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC) is leading the Eco Circular AI project, co-financed by the EU, to develop an AI-driven educational tool. This interactive tool helps students and teachers build circular economy skills, focusing on sustainable resource management, environmental risk assessment, and ethical business practices. It covers key industries, including electronics, textiles, and hospitality. A dry run of the platform took place in March, with plans to launch a pilot project before summer. AI is seen as a transformative force in both circular economy efforts and education, preparing students for a labor market increasingly focused on sustainability and the goals of the 2030 Agenda. Learn more about this program.
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