On 19–20 March 2024, the OpenPass4Climate consortium gathered in Brussels, hosted by UNICA, for a two-day work session combining the project’s third training activity (C4) and its third transnational project meeting (TPM3). This event marked a decisive step in the development of the European Open Badges Passport for Climate, bringing partners together to advance the design, validation and integration of the Open Badges system.

Day 1 — Training on Open Badges and Digital Passport Implementation (C4)

The first day was dedicated to strengthening partners’ shared understanding of Open Badges and their role in recognising climate-related learning across universities.

The training included:

• Introduction to Open Badges, Badge Systems and Digital Passport (CSCI Novara)
• Implementation case studies and lessons learned (UniLaSalle)
• Discussion on challenges and opportunities for higher education (UNICA)

Partners examined how Open Badges can support pedagogical innovation, student engagement and the recognition of eco-pedagogical activities. The day concluded with a collective reflection session to refine priorities for the next development phase.

Day 2 — Transnational Project Meeting (TPM3): Reviewing Progress & Advancing Deliverables

The second day focused on coordination, review and forward planning across all work packages. Each partner institution presented progress and next steps:

• PR1 – Mapping of Eco-Pedagogical Activities (NOVA)
• PR2 – Survey, Interviews & Focus Groups Results (University of Valladolid)
• PR3 – Development of the Open Badges Collection (CSCI Novara)
• PR4 – Design of the Open Badges Passport (UNICA)

The consortium also discussed dissemination strategy, platform development, and cross-WP alignment ahead of the next implementation milestones.

A Milestone Toward Europe’s First Open Badges Passport for Climate

The Brussels meeting reaffirmed the consortium’s strong cohesion and commitment to delivering innovative tools that support climate education and open recognition across Europe. Both C4 and TPM3 strengthened the methodological foundations required for the upcoming co-design of badge templates, learning paths and the digital passport architecture.

The next stages will build directly on the progress achieved in Brussels, bringing OP4C closer to releasing the first European Open Badges Passport dedicated to climate engagement and sustainability skills.s.