Thousands of people across the globe voted for Latvia’s sustainable farming advocate, Andris Višnevskis, as the leading example in green skills development. Višnevskis’ innovative approach highlights the potential of hemp as a sustainable alternative to conventional crops, inspiring other communities to adopt greener practices. His “Hemp schooll” emerged as the winner among 10 finalists selected from nearly 316 applications from 53 countries. The winners were announced today by the European Training Foundation, which has organised the Green Skills Award since 2021.

The fourth edition of the ETF Green Skills Award confirms that sustainable education is a global priority, with almost 18,000 votes cast worldwide. All applicants demonstrated exceptional dedication to green skills, but this year, the award goes to a project which has inspired several people: Latvia’s Andris Višnevskis and his Hemp School project. Congratulations also to the second and third winners, from Türkiye and Madagascar, for their outstanding initiatives – and to all applicants, for their commitment.

- ETF Director, Pilvi Torsti

The ETF Green Skills Award is a global initiative that was first introduced in 2021. It provides ideas and inspiration from all over the world about innovation happening thanks to individuals and institutions. The initiative has become a source of good practice that can inspire people everywhere to make real change in creating circular and carbon-neutral economies and societies.

Learn more about this year's Green Skills Award 2024 Winners and their inspiring projects:

• Latvia: Andris Visnevskis, “Hemp School” - An initiative to promote hemp as a greener alternative to cotton and sustainable farming.
• Türkiye: Nilufer Gunay with Always fashion project - Promoting sustainable fashion in an all-female vocational high school.
• Madagascar: Matthews Wafula from Don Bosco - A Green TVET initiative to create green jobs and combat global warming.