Digital Platform for Ecological Education of Students – Advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the European Green Deal: The Case of ProSafeNet (Global Hub)

Authors

  • Aleksandra Gajović Ministry of Environmental Protection of the Republic of Serbia Omladinskih brigada 1, 11070, Belgrade, Serbia
  • Vladimir M. Cvetković The University of Belgrade, Faculty of Security Studies, Gospodara Vučića 50, Belgrade, Serbia. Technical University of Leoben, Austria. http://orcid.org/0000-0002-3450-0658
  • Renate Renner Safety and Disaster Studies, Chair of Thermal Processing Technology, Department of Environmental and Energy Process Engineering, Technical University of Leoben, Austria
  • Srđan Milašinović University of Criminal Investigation and Police Studies, Cara Dušana 196, Belgrade, Serbia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18485/ijdrm.2025.7.2.14

Keywords:

ecological education, sustainable development, digital platform, informal learning, ProSafeNet, student engagement, knowledge sharing, green innovation, policy integration, collaboration

Abstract

Achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the European Green Deal (EGD) requires more efficient pathways that connect learning directly to real-world actions. This review introduces and explores a student-centered digital platform for ecological education that encourages knowledge sharing, collaboration, and practical implementation. Using a mixed-methods approach, we gather insights from existing literature and policies on SDGs and EGD to define core functional and governance requirements, which are then integrated into the ProSafeNet platform (the global hub for safety, security, risk, and emergency professionals and scientists). Its architecture brings together curated environmental issues across global, national, and causal layers; structured learning modules aligned with SDG/EGD guidelines; an embedded legal framework at various levels; and networking channels that guide students from identifying problems to developing solutions, culminating in standardized Project Solution Models. In the case study of ProSafeNet, these pathways leverage existing modules such as the Knowledge Base, Training Hub, Events/Forum, Projects, Research Hub, Community Resilience Hub, Policy Practice Lab, and Innovation Lab—allowing immediate testing without additional infrastructure. An evaluation framework is proposed, featuring key performance indicators such as learning gains, student engagement, team formation, prototypes or pilots, policy briefs, and progress toward SDGs/EGDs. The framework also highlights the importance of equity, accessibility, and GDPR-compliant governance. This approach aims to address the issue of “brain drain” by providing visible, credentialed pathways into green practices and funding opportunities, while fostering collaboration across institutions. Overall, this model offers a practical, scalable solution to accelerate student involvement in ecological problem-solving and support measurable progress toward SDG and EGD objectives.

Author Biography

Vladimir M. Cvetković, The University of Belgrade, Faculty of Security Studies, Gospodara Vučića 50, Belgrade, Serbia. Technical University of Leoben, Austria.

Assoc. Prof. (Disaster Risk Management) at the University of Belgrade, Faculty of Security, and has been engaged in research in the field of disaster studies for 15 years. He has published over 250 research papers and 20 scientific monographs. He is the founder of the Scientific Professional Society for Disaster Risk Management in Serbia, the International Institute for Disaster Research, and Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Disaster Risk Management.

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Published

2025-12-24

How to Cite

Gajović , A., Cvetković, V. M., Renner, R., & Milašinović, S. (2025). Digital Platform for Ecological Education of Students – Advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the European Green Deal: The Case of ProSafeNet (Global Hub). International Journal of Disaster Risk Management, 7(2), 263–278. https://doi.org/10.18485/ijdrm.2025.7.2.14

Issue

Vol. 7 No. 2 (2025): International Journal of Disaster Risk Management

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Articles

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Copyright (c) 2025 Aleksandra Gajović ; Vladimir M. Cvetković; Renate Renner, Srđan Milašinović

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