The green economy is one of the core issues discussed at Rio+20. Our starting point is that the green economy can be part of and in certain conditions lead the transition path towards new paradigms for youth entrepreneurship.

But the contribution of the green economy for greater social cohesion, enhanced innovation and creativity is not (only) the creation of “green jobs” (we are speaking of a range of 60 million to 1,5 billion new jobs!)but the transformation of mindsets and attitudes on the job market and in the society as a whole.

Roger Hart, a researcher and theoretician who has written extensively on the subject of children and their physical environment, tells us that before we can speak of a truly democratic citizenship—one in which citizens are concerned about management of the environment and capable of making positive interventions in their own community—we must recognize and legitimize youth as valid social actors.

Accepting the true- “genuine”- participation of young people can suppose a change- sometimes a radical change- with regards to business strategies. How can we understand the need to dialog with ALL young people and identify the methodologies and tools that are needed? How can we reach marginalized young people in risk of exclusion? How can we use social networks in an authentic way?