First Transnational Project Meeting (TPM) of the PEARL Project in Bursa, Turkey: A Step Forward for ESG Literacy and Collaboration

On June 27-28, 2024, the PEARL project partners gathered for the 1st Transnational Project Meeting (TPM) and project kick-off at Bursa Uludag University (BUU) in Bursa, Türkiye. This was a significant milestone for the project, marking the first face-to-face meeting since its inception. The gathering brought together stakeholders from across Europe, including partners from Türkiye, Ireland, Germany, Poland, and Denmark, to discuss the project's progress, plan future activities, and collaborate on shaping the upcoming work packages.

The meeting took place at Bursa Uludag University’s Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, a perfect setting for the diverse group of experts, educators, and project managers to align their visions and solidify their roles within the PEARL project.

Agenda Highlights

The TPM began with introductions from all project partners, which set the tone for a collaborative and interactive meeting. Partners were given the opportunity to discuss their roles and expectations for the project, establishing strong connections that would carry forward throughout the project’s lifespan.

Work Package 1 (WP1): The project management discussions were led by Bursa Uludag University (BUU), focusing on key activities such as the Partnership Agreements and the Project Management Handbook. Other key points included the Quality and Evaluation Strategy, Open Access and Inclusion Strategy, and Project Footprint Strategy. These discussions set a solid foundation for effective coordination and ensured that all partners were aligned in their approach.

The focus then shifted to the other Work Packages (WPs), each dedicated to specific project deliverables:

• WP2: Competence Framework and Curriculum Development – Partners discussed the Outline and Workplan for developing an ESG competence framework and curriculum, aiming to equip SMEs and VET providers with the tools necessary for ESG literacy.
• WP3: Training Resources, Toolbox, and VET Packages – The partners outlined their work plans for creating essential training resources and tools that will be used in vocational education and training.
• WP4: ESG Risk Assessment Application – The development of the ESG Risk Assessment Application was presented, with plans for creating a tool that will help SMEs assess their ESG performance.
• WP5: Communication, Dissemination & Exploitation and Knowledge Hub – The discussions focused on Activity 1, outlining the work plan for communication, dissemination, and exploitation strategies. Partners also discussed the Communication, Dissemination and Exploitation Strategy, ensuring that the project's outcomes would reach a broad audience and have long-term sustainability.

The day ended with a productive round of discussions, allowing each partner to provide input and share their ideas for strengthening the project’s activities.

In the evening, the BUU team hosted a delightful dinner, offering a chance for informal networking and further bonding among the partners.mal networking and further bonding among the partners.

Day 2: Networking and Exploring Bursa

The second day continued with in-depth discussions on each work package, allowing for detailed planning and sharing of best practices. The partners took the opportunity to network, discussing future collaborations and setting timelines for the deliverables.

A special highlight of the day was the Bursa city tour, providing the group with a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage and vibrant atmosphere of Bursa, a city known for its history and contributions to Turkish culture.

In Attendance: A Strong European and Turkish Consortium

The meeting brought together a diverse group of experts, with attendees from various institutions:

• Bursa Uludag University (BUU): Aylin Poroy Arsoy, Mine Aydemir Dev, Nuran Bayram Arli, Elif Yucel, Yasemin Ertan, and Olcay Bektaş
• Momentum (MMS), Ireland: Orla Casey and Con Bartels
• Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Ireland: Juanita Blue, Padraig Gallagher, and Ciaran O'Hannrachain
• Steinbeis University, Germany: Andreas Renner
• IZBA, Poland: Jacek Wójcik
• TVW, Germany: David Blunck
• European E-Learning Institute (EUEI), Denmark: Canice Hamill

The collaborative atmosphere of the TPM ensured that each partner understood their role and responsibilities, and the team worked together to refine their strategies and plan the next steps for the PEARL project.

Looking Ahead: A Collaborative Effort for a Sustainable Future

The 1st TPM in Bursa set the stage for the next phases of the PEARL project, with all partners committed to advancing ESG literacy among SMEs and VET providers. As the project progresses, the team will continue to work closely together, leveraging each partner’s expertise to deliver valuable resources that will make a lasting impact on the European sustainability landscape.

The PEARL project is a true example of international collaboration, bringing together diverse expertise to address the growing need for ESG education and practices in businesses and training environments. With strong foundations laid in Bursa, the project is now ready to move forward and make a significant difference in promoting sustainability across Europe.

Written by Kathryn O’Brien (EUEI)