On November 4, 2025, the seminar “Sustainability Challenges: From Problem to Solution” was held as part of the OPEN EU project. The aim of the seminar was to gather insights from representatives of various sectors on the most significant sustainable development challenges in Latvia, as well as to discuss the role and opportunities of higher education in addressing these challenges.

The OPEN EU project manager at Daugavpils University, Jeļena Tamane, introduced the seminar participants to the project’s objectives and scope. Professor Dzintra Iliško provided insights into how the project promotes inclusion and equality – key principles of sustainable development.

The seminar brought together more than 50 participants, including entrepreneurs, representatives of non-governmental organizations, individual business owners, and professionals from the fields of culture and the arts, public safety, ICT, and higher, vocational, and general secondary education. During the seminar, participants discussed key challenges related to achieving several Sustainable Development Goals such as quality education, innovation and infrastructure, responsible consumption and production, climate action, and partnerships for the goals. Through active discussions, participants concluded that higher education plays a vital role in promoting sustainable development. It raises public awareness about the importance of sustainable practices, prepares specialists capable of addressing contemporary social, economic, and environmental challenges, and fosters research and innovation grounded in responsibility and balanced progress.

Seminar participants also had the opportunity to hear a presentation by Paula Anškena, Head of Education and Sustainability at the Latvian Platform for Development Cooperation (LAPAS), who spoke about the association’s contribution to promoting sustainability in Latvia. In addition, Ilze Dalbiņa-Sarma, Head of the Education Sector at the Latvian National Commission for UNESCO, presented statistics on Latvia’s progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals compared with other European countries. She particularly emphasized the education sector and the understanding and readiness of its representatives to educate the public on issues related to sustainable development.