Copenhagen, 27 June–4 July 2026 – We are delighted that Iskriva Institute was once again part of the global UNLEASH community, which brings together young talents, innovators, and changemakers from around the world to develop new ideas and solutions for sustainable development. The UNLEASH programme is built on connecting diverse knowledge, experiences, and perspectives, encouraging young people to transform their ideas into solutions with meaningful social impact.
At this year’s UNLEASH Europe Innovation Lab, Iskriva Institute participated in two roles. Zdravko Kozinc, cofounder and cocreator, Iskriva Institute, returned to Copenhagen as a member of the UNLEASH Alumni community and as a speaker, sharing with more than 200 young innovators his experience from the very first UNLEASH programme, together with his perspectives on leadership, regional development, and value creation. Petra Klanšek, project manager, Iskriva Institute, took part as one of this year’s selected young talents participating in the UNLEASH Europe Innovation Lab.
As a member of the UNLEASH Alumni community, Zdravko Kozinc returned to the event as a speaker. In his address, he emphasised that successful innovation requires more than technical expertise and professional knowledge—it also depends on leadership, collaboration, and the ability to create solutions that generate broader societal value. “Tomorrow’s young talents need more than technical knowledge. They also need leadership skills to turn their ideas into solutions that create value for the wider community. Diversity is one of the greatest drivers of innovation, which is why we must see different perspectives and experiences as opportunities to create new solutions,” said Zdravko Kozinc.
As one of this year’s selected talents, Petra Klanšek joined an international interdisciplinary team that worked through the UNLEASH Innovation Process to develop solutions under the thematic challenge ‘Just Green Transition – How can we create sustainable cities that are liveable, affordable, and accessible for all?’ The experience gave her valuable insights into different approaches to innovation, the opportunity to collaborate with peers from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds, and the chance to strengthen her competencies in leadership, co-creation, and the development of ideas with social impact. “UNLEASH showed me how important it is to stay open to different perspectives, embrace collaboration, and have the courage to test new ideas. It is the diversity of people’s experiences and expertise that creates space for innovation. A just green transition is a multidisciplinary challenge that requires legal, social, and human-centred solutions capable of driving positive change in society,” said Petra Klanšek.
For Iskriva Institute, participation in the UNLEASH Europe Innovation Lab is particularly valuable because it strengthens connections with a global network of young innovators and changemakers, while providing opportunities to exchange knowledge on how innovation, responsible leadership, and collaboration can contribute to sustainable development.
