Students in Slovenia explore media and AI literacy through the ‘Pulse Z’ EU initiative
Photo by: Črt Kirn, student of Media production on School of Economics Novo mesto, Higher Vocational College
On 29 October 2025, the European Centre of Excellence (ECE Brussels) took part in a joint hybrid session with students of the Slovenian School of Economics, Higher Professional School (Ekonomska šola Novo mesto, Višja strokovna šola, EŠNM VSŠ), Economics and Media programme.
The event was organised within the framework of the event “Art & Media Lab – On the Other Side of Life” implemented by Šentjakobsko gledališče Ljubljana in cooperation with ECE Brussels and DE:NOVO Ljubljana and it is part of the broader EU Initiative “Pulse Z” led by Junior Achievement Europe.
Photo by: Črt Kirn, student of Media production on School of Economics Novo mesto, Higher Vocational College
Introducing the Pulse Z platform
During the session, Bojan Kordalov, Director for Policy and Communication at ECE Brussels and Senior EU Mentor on Media and AI Literacy presented the Pulse Z platform and its objectives.
Pulse Z is a European initiative designed for young people and by young people. Its aim is to equip youth with the skills and confidence to use media, technology, and artificial intelligence responsibly and creatively to foster social change.
Kordalov emphasised that the European Union by this kind of supported projects and initiatives considers young people key partners in shaping Europe’s future. Through programmes such as Erasmus+, DiscoverEU, Horizon and similar, the EU supports youth participation, innovation, and mobility, while also addressing challenges such as information overload, disinformation, and the impact of technology on daily life.
Photo by: Maja Weiss, acclaimed film director and lecturer at School of Economics Novo mesto, Higher Vocational College
Youth, media, and AI literacy
Highlighting experiences from other EU countries, Bojan Kordalov noted that young Europeans are increasingly using digital tools to advocate for issues including mental health, sustainability, and human rights.
He underlined three trends essential for today’s youth: “AI and digital literacy or understanding algorithms and artificial intelligence as basic life skills; Purpose-driven creativity and linking innovation to social impact; and Inclusive communication thus applying critical and creative thinking and fact-checking to protect democratic dialogue online.”
Pulse Z provides a space where students, other young people and media creators can connect across Europe, exchange ideas, and transform digital challenges into creative opportunities.
Photo by: Maja Weiss, acclaimed film director and lecturer at School of Economics Novo mesto, Higher Vocational College
Collaboration between education, arts and media / AI literacy
The event also featured Maja Weiss, acclaimed film director and lecturer at “Ekonomska šola” in Novo mesto Slovenia, who delivered a lecture titled “Performance in Front of the Camera and the (Un)Heard Person.”
The event was moderated by Saša Strnad, Project manager and concept creator, with an introduction by Milan Golob, Director of Šentjakobsko Theatre Ljubljana and former student of the school.
The meeting served as a follow up to the two-day Art & Media Lab event, exploring how theatre, film, and digital media can jointly create new forms of storytelling and inspire young people to address meaningful social topics through art.
This event was organised within the EU-funded project “Pulse of Change: Youth voices shaping media and democracy”. The project is part of the Pulse Z initiative led by JA Europe and co-funded by the European Union.
Photo: Screenshot via Zoom platform