Embedded Files
Panel Discussion on Young European Leadership
Panel Discussion on Young European Leadership
During the NextGEN conference in Tirana, our co-founder Julia K. Skupchenko was a speaker on the theme of "Young European Leadership: Skills, Innovation and Promoting Transition." She participated in a panel discussion alongside Minister for Youth and Children of Albania, Bora Muzhaqi; Chief Negotiator and Minister of State of Albania, Majlinda Dhuka; Assistant Professor at Maastricht University, Toon Van Overbeke; and Arjan Ymeri, Director General of Startup Association of Albania.
NextGEN Conference in Albania
NextGEN Conference in Albania
On March 7-8, our co-founder Julia K. Skupchenko attended the "NextGEN Voices for Europe - An Intergenerational Dialogue on the Future" conference in Tirana, held under the patronage of Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama. Alongside fellow European Charlemagne Youth Prize recipients, sher shared experiences in European activism with the youth Western Balkans. The conference focused on EU enlargement, integration, capacity building, and knowledge transfer across social sectors. It brought together policymakers and young leaders to discuss the future of Europe and how the next generation can shape it.
Meeting with the Rector of Epoka University
Meeting with the Rector of Epoka University
On March 6, the AlterContacts delegation met with the Rector of Epoka University, Prof. Ahmet Öztaş and the Dean of the Faculty of Economics, Dr. Alba Demneri Kruja. They discussed integrating sustainability, circularity, and innovative concepts into education. This collaboration began remotely in 2020, when 100 students from Epoka University took part in the Lockdown Economy initiative to help small businesses during the pandemic.
Masterclass at Epoka University
Masterclass at Epoka University
On March 6, 2025, our co-founder Julia K. Skupchenko delivered a masterclass on Sustainable Entrepreneurship to 60 students at Epoka University in Tirana, Albania. The session highlighted the importance of individual actions, inspiring some students to support local businesses. Additionally, Julia will mentor three almost-graduates during the spring semester to help them with the school-to-work transition.
European Rural Pact Webinar
European Rural Pact Webinar
On February 20, 2025, Think Tank AlterContacts participated in the European Rural Pact - Good Practice webinar on Rural Housing. Organised by the Rural Pact Support Office, the webinar explored the unique housing challenges that rural areas are facing. It showcased inspiring policies, strategies, initiatives, and community-led projects. We had a chance to present our programme "mOther Earth" as an example of housing renovation and revitalisation through sustainable solutions.
EESC-FAO Joint Event on SDGs and Voluntary National Reviews
EESC-FAO Joint Event on SDGs and Voluntary National Reviews
On February 13, Think Tank AlterContacts took part in the joint event by the European Economic and Social Committee and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The event focused on strengthening civil society participation in Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) to the Sustainable Development Goals, with particular emphasis on youth involvement. It provided a platform for peer-to-peer exchanges to enhance youth engagement in both VNR processes and post-VNR actions.
Collaboration with Aegean College
Collaboration with Aegean College
On February 6, the AlterContacts delegation met with the administration of the Aegean College. It has been one year of fruitful cooperation. Special thank you to Laura Maska, the Managing Director, and Konstantina Makriplidi, CEO of Aegean College.
Launch of the EU-co-funded project CIRCU-TECH
Launch of the EU-co-funded project CIRCU-TECH
On January 30-31, 2025 in Madrid, our co-founder Massimo Mercuri participated in the official kick-off meeting of an EU-co-funded project CIRCU-TECH. It aims to support the transition of the European aquaculture sector to a more circular and sustainable model while fostering profitability for businesses and a positive impact on society and the environment. Led by the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, it brings together partners from Spain, Italy, Portugal and the Netherlands.
Guest Lecture at CETT a on Sustainable Entrepreneurship
Guest Lecture at CETT a on Sustainable Entrepreneurship
On Jan 16, 2025, our co-founder Julia K. Skupchenko gave a Guest Lecture on Sustainable Entrepreneurship during the Smart Tourism Course at CETT Barcelona School of Tourism, Hospitality and Gastronomy. She shared the stories of the Lockdown Economy and showed that often enough resourcefulness and ingenuity of entrepreneurs trump digital technology in "smartness".
Masterclass at the Aeres University
Masterclass at the Aeres University
On November 27, 2024, Think Tank AlterContacts hosted a Masterclass "Artificial Intelligence for Students" at the Aeres University of Applied Sciences Dronten. In this session, guided by our co-founder Julia K. Skupchenko, the participants explored the current developments of Artificial intelligence in the context of education and its applications for university students.
Conference "Ecological Crisis & Economic Impact"
Conference "Ecological Crisis & Economic Impact"
On November 12 at the Conference "Ecological Crisis & Economic Impact" hosted by the Aegean College at the Acropolis Museum in Athens, our co-founder, Massimo Mercuri, presented the findings of the report "Towards Circular" to the national policy-makers.
Social Entrepreneurship Course at the University of Amsterdam
Social Entrepreneurship Course at the University of Amsterdam
Between October and December 2024, our co-founder Julia K. Skupchenko is teaching a course on Social Entrepreneurship at the University of Amsterdam. Similar to last year, there are more than 70 students enrolled. This initiative highlights the importance of partnerships in bridging academic research and social impact, as we work to prepare future leaders in social entrepreneurship.
AI-Powered Success: A Woman Entrepreneur's Playbook
AI-Powered Success: A Woman Entrepreneur's Playbook
On November 1, Think Tank AlterContacts hosted a round table for women entrepreneurs in Amsterdam. Together with the expert speaker, they explored how they could use AI tools to be more successful in business. The event was part of the EU co-funded project AI4VET4AI.
Masterclass on EU-funded Projects
Masterclass on EU-funded Projects
On 29 October, as part of the Level II Master's Degree "Expert in Europroject Planning. Presentation, management, and reporting of a project", our co-founder Massimo Mercuri gave a masterclass on EU-funded projects to the students of the Suor Orsola Benincasa University in collaboration with CNR.
European Sustainable Development Week 2024
European Sustainable Development Week 2024
On 26-27 of September, we hosted a virtual event "Towards Circular by AlterContacts" within the European Sustainable Development Week 2024. It was the only event organized in the Netherlands. During it, we officially released the 17 articles of the report on different aspects of sustainable development in coastal settlements through the lens of circular practices. Find the report here.
SDG Masterclass at Gunnebo
SDG Masterclass at Gunnebo
On 25th September, Think Tank AlterContacts gave an online masterclass at the Gunnebo Entrance Control on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The event was tailored to security industry businesses and their customers committed to integrating sustainability into their business practices. It took place during the European Sustainable Development Week.
Presenting at the ICSD 2024
Presenting at the ICSD 2024
During the International Conference for Sustainable Development 2024, AlterContacts co-founder Julia K. Skupchenko presented insights from the UN-registered SDG Action mOther Earth. In line with this year’s theme “Solutions for the Future”, her presentation focused on intergenerational dialogues to improve policy and accountability at all levels of governance.
Sustainable Entrepreneurship and Innovation: A Masterclass at the Aegean College
Sustainable Entrepreneurship and Innovation: A Masterclass at the Aegean College
On May 27, the co-founders of AlterContacts will give a masterclass at the Aegean College in Athens, Greece. Julia K. Skupchenko and Massimo Mercuri will share the fundamental concepts and practical examples of sustainable entrepreneurship and innovation.
Meeting with the University of the Aegean
Meeting with the University of the Aegean
In May 2024, the delegation of AlterContacts met with the Vice-Rector of the University of the Aegean, Greece. The Green and Blue Committees of the university introduced the wide range of sustainable projects and research that the staff and students are carrying out.
Seminar on AI for Educators
Seminar on AI for Educators
On April 15, Think Tank AlterContacts is hosting a seminar "Demystifying AI for educators" at the Aeres University of Applied Sciences in Dronten. Participants gained crucial insights, practical strategies, and cutting-edge knowledge necessary for navigating the intricate terrain of education in the digital era. Guided by our experts, they examined AI applications in educational contexts, innovative pedagogical approaches, and engaged in collaborative dialogue aimed at harnessing AI's transformative potential to enrich learning environments.
The image courtesy of the European Parliament Multimedia Centre: EP-168068A_LEVELUP. European Youth FORUM - LEVELUP! 2024
Level Up! I care, I vote 2024
Level Up! I care, I vote 2024
European Youth Parliament has selected our co-founder, Julia Skupchenko, to represent the Netherlands at the Level Up event, which took place on 12-13 April 2024 at the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) and the European Economic Social Committee (EESC). It brought together 1300+ youth activists from across the European Union and the key decision-makers related to youth policies.
Celebrating Five Years Anniversary!
Celebrating Five Years Anniversary!
Five years ago, on April 5, we founded this unique organization. Today, we are at the top of the Google search, when you type "Dutch Think Tank for Sustainable Development"! To get to where we are now, there were many adventures on our path. Maybe one day, we will share the "behind the scenes" stories. For now, we just want to Thank YOU. We are grateful to every person who contributed to our mission of making the world more sustainable! Let's keep moving forward! More is yet to come!
Moving from Amsterdam to the Hague
Moving from Amsterdam to the Hague
After five fruitful and vibrant years in Amsterdam, the Think Tank AlterContacts is moving to The Hague - the city of Peace and Justice. As a Dutch Think Tank for Sustainable Development, we are now located at the perfect place - the Humanity Hub, close to the Peace Palace. Among our neighbors in the building are UN agencies, the Ministry for the Rights of Children, and many prominent foundations and NGOs. We are looking forward to new collaborations and making the world better together!
Meeting with the Rector of Harokopio University
Meeting with the Rector of Harokopio University
In March 2024, the delegation of AlterContacts met with the Rector and Vice-Rector for Sustainable Development of the Harokopio University in Kallithea, Greece. The possibilities of academic exchanges, joint research, and collaboration on Kilometro Circular initiative were discussed.
Visit to the Academy of Entrepreneurship
Visit to the Academy of Entrepreneurship
On March 8, 2024, the delegation of AlterContacts visited The Academy of Entrepreneurship (AKEP) in Athens, Greece. AKEP is a nonprofit organization that enables local entrepreneurship and the professional skills of youth. As part of the visit, we were shown the historical building that belongs to the Association of Small Entrepreneurs in Arts and Crafts, and discussed the possibilities of sustainable community-run projects.
Meeting with the Rector of the Hellenic Open University
Meeting with the Rector of the Hellenic Open University
In March 2024, the delegation of AlterContacts met with the Rector of the Hellenic Open University in Athens, Greece. Among the topics discussed were joint educational programs on sustainable development and circular economy.
On Jan 30, 2024, together with UNCTAD, Think Tank AlterContacts will host a virtual side event "Circular Economy for SDGs: Inspiring Transformations Towards Sustainable, Resilient, and Innovative Solutions". It will present the circular economy as a holistic framework that reinforces the principles of the 2030 Agenda, addressing poverty eradication, resilience, and innovation in the face of multiple crises.
Masterclass for Young Diplomats
Masterclass for Young Diplomats
In January, AlterContacts hosted a remote workshop on the role of Artificial Intelligence in Geopolitics. There were more than 40 participants from 25 countries. They explored how AI might influence international affairs and sustainability agenda in the years and decades to come, what challenges and opportunities it presents for the European Union, and what actions the EU can take.
Masterclass at Leiden University
Masterclass at Leiden University
On November 30, Think Tank AlterContacts hosted a masterclass at Leiden University, where they explored the current developments of Artificial intelligence in the context of the European Union, including recent regulations and laws. Together with the students, they uncovered how AI might influence international affairs in the years and decades to come, what challenges and opportunities it presents for the European Union.
Masterclass at the University of Amsterdam
Masterclass at the University of Amsterdam
On November 7, 2023, Think Tank AlterContacts and the University of Amsterdam are co-hosting an awareness-raising event for the students. The topic is "The Role of AI in shaping the landscape of Social Entrepreneurship and SDGs". The guest speaker is Massimo Mercuri. More information about the event here.
On Oct 3, 2023, in the framework of the Erasmus+ project AI4VET4AI, Think Tank AlterContacts visited two of the partners in Slovenia: the Faculty of Information Studies in Novo mesto (FIŠ) and Rudolfovo, the scientific and technological centre. The meeting was prominently featured in the local press.
AI4VET4AI’s first in-person meeting in Zagreb
AI4VET4AI’s first in-person meeting in Zagreb
The first in-person meeting took place in Zagreb on September 28-29, 2023. It was such an insightful and inspiring event and a great chance to meet our consortium partners from 26 organizations and 11 countries. The event provided a comprehensive platform for key activities and discussions that will guide the AI4VET4AI project into the future. More details on the website of the project.
On July 13, 2023, together with UNCTAD, Think Tank AlterContacts hosted a Round Table on Urban Entrepreneurship. It was part of the 2023 edition of the SDGs Learning, Training & Practice – a series of capacity-building sessions held annually as a Special Event for the United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development. Watch the recording here.
On June 21, the Forum will bring together representatives of foundations, governments, universities, think tanks, and NGOs from around the world to exchange the latest advancements, complex challenges, and unique approaches to playing an active role in Sustainable Development. By invitation only.
People at Heart - Automation in Mind: Finding your Balance
People at Heart - Automation in Mind: Finding your Balance
On December 7, at the 3rd Annual HR Innovations Summit, the co-founders of Think Tank AlterContacts hosted an interactive workshop on HR innovation for a sustainable tomorrow. Together with 33 participants, they explored how to lead a transformation where technology is complementary to the power of people.
Co-Creating the Workplace of Sustainable Future
Co-Creating the Workplace of Sustainable Future
On November 16, at the 7th Future Workplaces Summit by Luxatia International, the co-founders of Think Tank AlterContacts hosted a dynamic and interactive workshop on workplace innovation. In just one hour, they enabled 35 participants to explore the forces behind these changes in their organizations and how to channel them to a more sustainable and inspiring future.
Presenting mOther Earth to the European Commission
Presenting mOther Earth to the European Commission
On Oct 28, 2022, the AlterContacts delegation met with the Head of Youth and Volunteer Solidarity Unit of the Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture, European Commission - Mr Ioannis MALEKOS. The meeting took place at the European Parliament in Brussels during the LevelUP event.
Presenting mOther Earth to the Permanent Representation of Spain to the EU
Presenting mOther Earth to the Permanent Representation of Spain to the EU
On Oct 29, 2022, the AlterContacts delegation met with the Counselor on Labor, Migration, and Social Security of the Permanent Representation of Spain to the European Union - Maria José Tarrero Martos. The meeting took place at the European Parliament in Brussels during the LevelUP event.
Discussing Las Aldeas del Futuro with the Ministry of Spain
Discussing Las Aldeas del Futuro with the Ministry of Spain
On Sep 15, 2022, the AlterContacts delegation met with Director General de Políticas Palanca para el cumplimiento de la Agenda 2030, Ministry of Social Rights and the 2030 Agenda of Spain, Gabriel Castañares Hernández. The meeting took place virtually.
Building collaboration with the Government of Galicia
Building collaboration with the Government of Galicia
On October14, 2022, the Think Tank AlterContacts delegation met with the Deputy Director of International Promotion and Intelligent Rural Development, the Rural Development Agency of Galicia (AGADER). The meeting took place at the office of Axencia Galega de Desenvolvemento Rural in Santiago de Compostela.
Presenting mOther Earth to the Vigo Free Trade Consortium
Presenting mOther Earth to the Vigo Free Trade Consortium
On October 7, 2022, the Think Tank AlterContacts delegation met with the representatives of Consorcio Zona Franca de Vigo. The meeting took place in Vigo, Spain.
Community dialogue starts with the youngest
Community dialogue starts with the youngest
On October 5, we hosted an event where we asked 260 children between 3 and 12 years old how they see the future of their village. All the children are students of the public primary and nursery school CEIP Plurilingüe de Silleda located in a region of Spain - Galicia. The event was part of the United Nations registered initiative - mOther Earth. Press here to read the report on the event
Doing Business in a Digital Age
Doing Business in a Digital Age
During the 8th International Online Forum 2022 "Doing Business in a Digital Age" hosted by the Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, in Bolivia, AlterContacts cofounder Massimo Mercuri and our expert in Metaverse, Carolina Salazar, together with tech gurus Conny Hedman and Chris Meniw, discussed how technology develops and changes our lives, highlighting the importance of closing the digital gap for the academic disciplines.
Valemadrismo Responsable y Sustentable
Valemadrismo Responsable y Sustentable
On 17 Dec 2022, our experts hosted a masterclass for executives called "Prepared for 2023?" Logrando armonía inquebrantable en un entorno altamente volátil. Workshop para emprendedores y ejecutivos, con Paulo Cesar Ramirez Silva y Massimo Mercuri, organizado por EmprendHec Mexico.
Agricultura sostenible y circular
Agricultura sostenible y circular
Debate interdisciplinario y alternativo al desarrollo rural mundialmprende e innova sin fronteras. Nuestro delegado en Colombia y experto en economia sostenible, Carlos Merlano, presentó un cátedra en el congreso Internacional de Economia Sostenibilidad y Circularidad 2022, de la Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana en Colombia, #UPBMontería
European Charlemagne Youth Prize 2021
European Charlemagne Youth Prize 2021
During the Charlemagne Youth Prize ceremony in Aachen, Germany in September 2021, our team was personally congratulated on becoming the winner of the Netherlands by the Former President of the European Parliament, Hans-Gert Pöttering, and the Ambassador of Romania to the Federal Republic of Germany, Adriana Stanescu.
On 28 June, Think Tank AlterContacts presented the Lockdown Economy at the United Nations Conference celebrating Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Day 2021. We presented insights on entrepreneurship during the pandemic based on Lockdown Economy, the field research from 330+ entrepreneurs across 5 continents, 41 countries, and 78 different economic activities. Showing what role they are playing in restoring the global economy!
Un Diálogo de Saberes desde las Ciencia
Un Diálogo de Saberes desde las Ciencia
Tres expertos de AlterContacts: Alejandro Kantun, Carlos Merlano y Massimo Mercuri, presentaron las siguientes ponencias en la Jornada de Investigación organizada en Noviembre 2021 por la Corporación Universitarias del Caribe (CECAR) en Colombia: Future Thinking - Diseño de Futuros; Lockdown Economy Challenge as an Enabler for Remote Cross-university Social Action Towards Sustainable Development; Defining a Systemic Approach to SDG Impact Assessment on the Example of Small Enterprises in the Context of Regional and Local Communities
Emprende e innova sin fronteras
Emprende e innova sin fronteras
En Agosto 2021, Massimo Mercuri compartió consejos y experiencias sobre innovación e impacto social, para los estudiantes del MBA de la Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana en Colombia, #UPBMontería
Meetings with University Rectors
Meetings with University Rectors
In August 2021, Think Tank AlterContacts met with Rectors' Delegations from Klaipeda University, Lithuania; Czech University of Life Sciences, Czech Republic; Cyprus University of Technology, Cyprus; Universidade de Coimbra, Portugal; Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná, Brazil; São Paulo State University, Brazil; Institut Teknologi Bandung, Indonesia; Airlangga University, Indonesia; Gulf University, Bahrain; and University of Victoria, Canada.
Collaborations with Universities
Collaborations with Universities
In July 2021, Think Tank AlterContacts held meetings with Rectors of the Ahlia University, Bahrain; Tarlac Agricultural University, Philippines; and Zurich University of the Arts, Switzerland.
Julia K. Skupchenko gave an introductory lecture for 150 Bachelor students at Epoka University (Albania) to onboard them for the Lockdown Economy project.
Julia K. Skupchenko gave a class for the MBA students at the Anahuac Mayab University in Mexico. It was the launch of the pilot of the Lockdown Economy Academy by the Think Tank AlterContacts.
MBA program at the Anahuac Mayab University
MBA program at the Anahuac Mayab University
Management, calidad y gestión educativa en tiempos de crisis
Management, calidad y gestión educativa en tiempos de crisis
By Carlos Merlano, finance academic and business expert, a forward-thinking executive with a proven record of accomplishment in private and public companies during a 16-year career.
Doing Business Doing Good, How did I end up in Africa!
Doing Business Doing Good, How did I end up in Africa!
By Datje van Reijendam, Strategic Business and Impact Developer, the founder and principal consultant of Okumera Consulting; a strategic facilitator of project-based business mainly in development zones, especially in Africa.
Reimagining the way we look at strategy
Reimagining the way we look at strategy
By Poom Narudee Kristhanin, the CEO and Founder of Eureka Global, a transformation consultancy based in Thailand.
Challenges and opportunities of educational management in times of COVID
Challenges and opportunities of educational management in times of COVID
By Rishi Kapal, Stanford LEAD Alumni, Author of "Kites in a Hurricane" & "Managing Large Teams", Edtech & Innovations Expert, Transitions Coach
Think Tank Webinars 2020
Think Tank Webinars 2020
How to become recognized as an expert in your field? How to build a "YOU" brand? Discover in this webinar by Anirvan Sen.
One of the ways to share knowledge is to give talks. How can you bring the message across and keep the attention of your audience? Find out in this webinar with Dannie-Lu Carr.
Before the Pandemic
Before the Pandemic
Entrepreneurial Journey, Startups & Downs at TeamAcademy.nl, Amsterdam, NL, 26 Feb 2020
Master’s Students Graduation Ceremony, Syktyvkar State University, Russia, July 2019
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