"Grandparents for the Climate" think that the over 55s have a major role to play in the fight against climate change – their winning project "Our Savings for their Future" encourages older people to invest their money wisely for the good of our planet and to leave a better, more sustainable world for their grandchildren. "Grandparents" are now working on other exciting projects which all promote intergenerational solidarity and sustainable investing.

EESC info: What prompted you to start your project or initiative?

Guy De Koninck: The awareness, as people aged 55 and over, of our responsibility for the climate and of the strength of our collective financial capacity to contribute to the transition to a climate-friendly economy. It is difficult to know how exactly this capital, i.e. our savings, is used and it is difficult for us as customers to exert an influence over this. At the same time, society needs capital in order to structure itself according to more sustainable principles. These two mechanisms could be better coordinated.

How has your project been received? Have you had any feedback from the people you've helped? (Can you give us an example, if you have any?)

The campaign we carried out was well supported by the press and by senior citizens' associations, such as NEOS, who organised a workshop with us and included a publication in their members' magazine. Our insights and incisive discussions with the financial sector and ministers were greatly appreciated.

How will you use this specific funding to provide further help in the community? Are you already planning any new projects?

We are currently working on a guide to sustainable investment, an intergenerational workshop for secondary education, and cooperation with other NGOs. We want to further develop the campaign with presentations and workshops for seniors' associations and schools, and to promote and support them more widely. We are also considering alternative forms of dissemination, such as a board game and a French-language version of the campaign. 

What advice would you give to other organisations in terms of achieving results with such activities and programmes?

Set up a competent and enthusiastic campaign team and do enough research to support your message. Make sure that the expertise of your team is recognised, but communicate through all modern channels to reach the grass roots.

How optimistic are you about the prospects of the EU achieving the objectives of the Green Deal?

This is a historically important contribution to the ecological transition. Putting the objectives into practice is the biggest challenge. As grandparents, we would like to contribute to climate action.