On 13 November 2024, a group of UWC Adriatic students attended the Hydrogen Ecosystem North Adriatic Conference in Nova Gorica, Slovenia, a pivotal event focusing on innovation, technology, and partnership for a sustainable future. Hydrogen, often described as the “missing piece” in the global transition toward carbon neutrality, was at the centre of discussions involving policymakers, researchers, and entrepreneurs.
The participating students were Alessandro (Italy/China), Leonardo (Italy), Marta (Belarus), Milca (Mexico), Rawane (Morocco), Milena (Poland), Benedetta (Italy), Nina (Italy), Ashraf (Palestine), and Yuanqi (Hong Kong SAR).
Accompanied by their chemistry teacher, Dimitrina Trendafilova, and Education Projects and Academic Manager, Maria Chiara Billi, the students conducted extensive research prior to the conference, delving into EU and global reports on hydrogen’s potential as both a fuel and an industrial reducing agent. Their findings culminated in a presentation on Opportunities and Challenges for Hydrogen Adoption: At the Frontier of Technology Development and Global Cooperation. The students explored the current state of hydrogen development in their respective countries, discussing strategies for green hydrogen adoption, the importance of equitable resource exploitation, and the integration of hydrogen technologies into global markets.
Their presentation was met with enthusiasm, sparking an engaging round-table discussion that acknowledged the vital role of youth perspectives in shaping the future of hydrogen as well as the need for education systems to incorporate cutting-edge trends in scientific research, ensuring that young people are equipped to address the challenges of tomorrow.
In addition to their research presentations, the students engaged in a very interesting intergenerational debate, exchanging ideas and perspectives with both experienced professionals and younger innovators. The conference also served as a valuable platform for fostering dialogue among policymakers, industry professionals, and stakeholders from the North Adriatic region, which includes Croatia, Friuli-Venezia Giulia (Italy), and Slovenia.
This enriching experience not only deepened the students’ understanding of hydrogen’s potential but also demonstrated the power of youth voices in global discourse. By bridging generational and cultural divides, they highlighted the importance of collective action in creating a sustainable and equitable future for all.
Two students, Marta (from Belarus) and Rawane (from Morocco), shared their reflections on their experience with us:
“This was an experience I never imagined being able to have. Growing up, these stories about innovation, sustainability, and global impact were just things I read about in books or overheard in conversations. They always felt distant, like they belonged to a world I wasn’t part of. But this time, I wasn’t just a listener or a reader. For the first time, I felt truly involved, standing on that stage and being part of a dialogue that will shape our collective future.”
