Call for Contributions: 17th IRDO International Conference
The 17th IRDO International Conference "SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE SOCIETY 2022: Green, digital, and inclusive transition: how to make it happen?", organized by the University of Maribor, takes place online from 2-3 June 2022. The main purpose of the conference is to explore conceptual frameworks, conditions and possibilities for a green, digital and inclusive transition that enables the development of a common sustainable future, in line with the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 SDGs. Contributions with holistic, systemic approaches and embracing several topics are particularly invited. Abstracts can be submitted by 15 February, full papers by 30 April 2022.
Upon invitation by the Secretary General of the International Association of Universities, Hilligje van’t Land, the CA Leadership Team submitted a position paper to the IAU Horizons Magazine vol. 26.2. The short article (p. 46) entitled "Is striving for excellence in HEIs incompatible with partnership practices? Leadership principles for the Future We Want" emphasizes the importance of partnerships in higher education to strive for transformative learning and achieve sustainable development. Altogether, the “In Focus” section of this issue contains 34 contributions on "Leadership for a sustainable future – Higher education and Agenda 2030 and the sustainable development goals", written by university leaders from all five continents, from associations and organizations, including student organizations.
On the occasion of the celebration of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the Directorate for Equality of the University de Basque Country (UPV/EHU) organized a conference to raise awareness of this serious social problem. Among several activities, the UPV/EHU’s Protocol Against Gender Violence was presented.
With the lecture series "Climate crisis and consciousness change" and a poster exhibition on the same topic, the nine universities in the Austrian province of Styria set an example for overcoming disciplinary and institutional boundaries. The currently ongoing lecture series and the exhibition complement each other and thus address a large target group that includes both students and the general public. The aim of the lectures is not only to impart knowledge, but above all to promote interdisciplinary exchange and to involve the audience in the discussion.
The international and interdisciplinary summer universities "Alternative Economic and Monetary Systems" and "Green.Building.Solutions" share the aim of finding new pathways for a more sustainable future as well as a healthier planet. Both will take place between August and September 2022 and are open to students and professionals from all fields who strive to create a more just and green future. Among the numerous organizing partners and supporters are the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU) Vienna and the Club of Rome. Registrations are open now.
From 29-30 April 2022, the interdisciplinary conference "Diversity & Inclusion across languages – Insights into communicative challenges from theory and practice" will take place at Vienna University of Economics and Business. The conference will bring together researchers and practitioners to gaining insights into communication for, within and about a diverse society. Deadline for submission of abstracts 15 December 2021.
The transformative quality of adult education will shape the future in several ways. The ambition of the Erasmus+ project Online Transformative Learning (OnTL) is to explore the opportunities for and limitations of Transformative Learning in virtual settings. From 9-11 September, the project partners, including the CA Team, came together for a Transnational Project Meeting in Croatia.
Staff of the Centre for Development and Environment (CDE) at the University of Bern and the Bern tertiary students’ association for sustainability, BENE, developed a sustainable city guide for students entitled "Out and about sustainably in Bern" (available in English and German). The booklet invites students to consider what they need for a satisfied and good life and contains facts, ideas and tips in the areas of sustainable development.
Since 2003, 1,220 students have participated in Development Cooperation Projects throughout 23 countries in Latin America and Africa, by doing internships and Final Degree Projects. These projects focus mainly on the promotion of sustainable human development through fighting against poverty and inequalities.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Partnership for Environment and Disaster Risk Reduction (PEDRR) extend their MOOC on "Nature-based Solutions for Disaster and Climate Resilience". Join a learning community of nearly 50,000 participants from 192+ countries! The course is freely available in several languages and provides real-life examples, animations, 360° virtual reality videos, and more. Upon completion participants can receive a certificate.
The University of Girona will award the distinction of honoris causa to former CA President Prof. Daniella Tilbury. Her work has contributed significantly to the progression of sustainability as a key agenda for the future of higher education, not least of all through her research and policy work in the field of Education for Sustainable Development, where she is one of the world’s lead experts.
The University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) together with the Social Innovation Center ArantzazuLab is developing a Massive Online Open Course (MOOC) to foster transition skills that are necessary to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. With financial support from a CA Micro Fund, a workshop was organized with Prof. Jorge Riechmann (Autonomous University of Madrid). The keynote is also available as a video.
The Volunteering Program of the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) is a project that seeks to channel and promote students' concern for solidarity. More than a decade ago, the UPV/EHU implemented a plan for the recognition of optional ECTS credits in undergraduate studies, which resulted in over 150,000 hours of voluntary work in cooperation and social action programs so far.
University employees have a big responsibility as role models and multiplicators when it comes to sustainability, both at professional level and in their private social environment. Adapting new habits and integrating sustainable routines in daily life starts with knowing about it. The University of Graz added three new courses to its further education programme for staff members to raise awareness for sustainability issues. Both academic and administrative employees can take the courses for free and obtain a certificate.
