Afef Ajengui, Regional Programme Manager of Green Forward at SPARK
, shares how the programme is supporting businesses, strengthening local networks, and driving regional collaboration to make the green transition a reality.
Read more in this interview.

 

What is Green Forward, and what impact does it aim to achieve? 

The Green Forward programme is an EU-funded initiative that promotes the transition to a green and circular economy in the Southern Neighbourhood region. In this context, SPARK aims to strengthen the capacity and network of business support organisations to act as key drivers for a green and circular economy to better support businesses in addressing the impacts of climate change.

 

What activities, initiatives or opportunities should young people know about?

Young people should stay informed about the green economy and the circular economy in order to participate in the green transformation. A deeper understanding of the impacts and opportunities can support future green entrepreneurship. We invite them to participate in the Green Forward programme implemented by SPARK and its partners in Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestine and Tunisia. We invite them to subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed about our upcoming activities.

 

What advice would you like to have received when you were 20

Protect the planet—turn off the tap, recycle water, switch off lights, or invest in solar energy. These simple actions save both the environment and your money, building a sustainable future.

 

The Green Forward initiative, funded by the European Union, aims to support the green and circular economy (GCE) in the Southern Neighbourhood region over the next three years. Led by Expertise France, SPARK, and UNIDO, it takes a comprehensive approach focused on policy reform, support for business support organisations (BSOs), and the development of local businesses. Policy reform - Expertise France is strengthening and supporting regional and national policy frameworks that promote a green and circular economy. BSOs support - SPARK is strengthening business support organisations to better equip businesses in tackling climate change impacts and be part of the green transition. Local enterprise development – UNIDO is showcasing how SMEs in the region can adopt resource-efficient and circular business models, while disseminating knowledge on sustainable practices. The Green Forward initiative aims to advance the cause of the green and circular economy in the Southern Neighbourhood, fostering job creation, economic opportunities, and aligning with the principles of the European Green Deal.

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The European Union is driving change in the Southern Neighbourhood in various areas. 3Q TALKS, a series of dynamic interviews, meets key players from EU institutions, agencies and EU-funded programmes for an inside look into their work, shed light on their impact and identify opportunities.
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