Impact Day’s philosophy was born of a more youthful outlook on today’s socio-economic challenges. Its founders have always recognised the importance and value of intergenerational cooperation, understanding that youth is far from a barrier to ethical growth, rather a vital contributor to it.
To that end, our close involvement with Sustainable Business Estonia (‘KELL’) saw us collaborating on the 2025 project “Empowering Youth for Sustainable Advocacy”. This official partnership between Impact Day and KELL has resulted in five policy briefs, each reflecting a youth-driven mindset – practical, direct, and focused on real-world impact.
The five briefs have been developed to address critical areas shaping Estonia’s future: education, sustainability, regional development, food systems, and digital equity. What follows is a keynote summary of the briefs’ output.
We are incredibly grateful to all the keen, eager, and refreshing young minds who have stepped up to take responsible thought-leadership and help steer us all towards a more sustainable future together.
1. Cross-Generational Learning: Stronger Communities Through Shared Knowledge
Loneliness is rising among both young people and older adults. One practical solution is to create community-based learning spaces where generations meet, learn, and create together.
Public spaces, such as libraries, community centres, and parks, become hubs where:
- Young people teach digital skills to anyone who needs them
- Seniors hand down practical crafting skills, share stories, and pass on vital cultural knowledge
- Everyone benefits from a real, human, and interactive connection.
Research shows that such activities improve mental health for all involved, reduce early school-leaving rates, and even strengthen social cohesion.
2. Green Innovation Accelerator: Helping SMEs Move from Ideas to Action
Many SMEs know that sustainability is important, yet they often struggle to implement it. One proposed national model – a ‘Sustainability Innovation Accelerator’ – would offer:
- Micro-grants (€5k-€100k)
- Mentoring from relevant subject matter experts
- Fast-track permitting for green pilots
- Clear and measurable KPIs
- Annual recognition and visibility.
This is sustainability the youth way: Experiment, Measure, Iterate, Scale!
3. Regional Policy 2.0: Local Innovation First
Small municipalities have talent and potential, but rigid budgeting and siloed systems hold them back. One suggested new model proposes:
- Flexible and cross-departmental budgeting
- Regional ‘Social Innovation’ labs
- Re-purposing of state buildings to serve as ‘Multi-service Community Hubs’
- Regional ‘Smart Clusters’ to improve service accessibility.
This approach breaks the ‘shrinking regions’ cycle and brings innovation directly to rural communities.
4. Cutting Food Waste: A Fast, Practical Plan for Estonia
Food waste costs the Estonian economy millions of euros annually – and most of it comes from households! A clear three-pillar approach can dramatically reduce waste:
a) Education for All Ages
From kindergarten to adult learning, teach:
- Smart shopping habits
- Safe leftover use
- Food waste dashboards in schools
- Family challenges
- Clear-shelf cues in stores.
b) Clean and Safe Bio-waste Systems
People sort waste when the system is simple and hygienic:
- Sealed bins
- Biodegradable liners
- More frequent waste collection during the summer
- One poster everywhere explaining, “What, why, how?”
- Appoint ‘Bio-waste Captains’ in buildings
- Support first, enforcement later.
c) One National ‘Surplus Food’ App
A single digital platform that:
- Shows nearby surplus food in real time
- Integrates food banks, school cupboards, and community fridges
- Connects existing apps through open APIs
- Uses transparent dashboards.
Such an innovative system would save money, reduce emissions, and strengthen community trust.
5. Sustainable EdTech: Digital Learning Without Digital Waste
EdTech is expanding rapidly. However, so are its environmental and social impacts. A truly sustainable EdTech ecosystem requires:
a) National Sustainable EdTech Standards
Criteria for:
- Energy efficiency
- Carbon footprint
- Accessibility (e.g., WCAG 2.1)
- Ethical data use.
Adoption of advanced EdTech Standards affords certified companies notable gains in credibility and procurement priority.
b) Circular Innovation and E-waste Reduction
- Grants and tax credits for repair and recycling
- Sustainable device manufacturing
- Longer device life cycles in schools
- Procurement that favours responsible supply chains.
c) Digital Inclusion & Accessibility
Support for solutions that offer:
- Offline learning features
- Multilingual interfaces
- Low-bandwidth options
- Open Educational Resources (OER).
d) Sustainable Innovation Hubs
Regional hubs – or ‘green accelerators’ – which link startups, universities, and policymakers to co-develop responsible learning technologies.
e) Funding Linked to Sustainability
Public grants are tied to measurable environmental and social performance.
Final Message from Youngsters
These five policy briefs show that Estonia’s future can be smarter, greener, and more connected, and that the most impactful ideas often emerge from grassroots initiatives.
Real change comes from young people, communities, small and medium-sized enterprises, and local innovators – all driven by the desire to build a fairer and more sustainable future.
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The project “Empowering Youth for Sustainable Advocacy” was conducted and overseen by Sustainable Business Estonia (‘KELL’) and carried out in direct collaboration with Impact Day.
The project is supported by the Estonian Agency for Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps from the Erasmus+ program.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
