Discussion Afternoon “Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Universities: Insights from the FORTHEM Alliance”

The goal of the event was to share innovative ideas and practical solutions for universities, as well as to foster collaboration and raise awareness of the FORTHEM Alliance's contributions to European University Association partners. 

The discussion block focused on three main themes: 

• Sustainable mobility
• Sustainable event organization
• Social sustainability 

The event was opened by UL Vice-Rector for Development Enno Ence and FORTHEM General Secretary Nicole Birkle. 

In the first part of the discussion afternoon, Simona Mercantini from the University of Palermo presented the achievements and future plans of the FORTHEM Green Sustainability Unit. Renārs Kairis, Head of Sustainable Development at UL, highlighted the potential for collaboration between universities and urban environments in implementing sustainability solutions. Elīna Kirilko, Head of the Development Planning Division and Deputy Head of the Mobility Planning Department at the Riga City Council, shared the capital’s experience in developing sustainable mobility and its future vision for greener transportation options. Representatives of the FORTHEM Diversity and Inclusion Unit, Aleksandra Kjakste and Sami Zahibi, presented best practice examples for creating an inclusive academic environment at the University of Latvia and Université Bourgogne Europe. 

In the second part of the event, Mikael Puurtinen, Director of Wisdom Education at the University of Jyväskylä, shared his perspective on the challenges of implementing sustainability. Sergio Miguel Belda, Head of Initiatives at the Vice-Rectorate for Sustainability, Cooperation, and Healthy Living at the University of Valencia, introduced the newly developed university guide for organizing sustainable, healthy, and socially just events and conferences. Māris Gailis, Associate Professor at Riga Technical University, shared his experience with the ESSLab+: Sustainability Science Lab. Professor from Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences, co-leader of the doctoral school and head of the UNESCO Chair on Biosphere and Humanity, presented the creation of the E³UDRES² Alliance Sustainability Handbook, which offers practical tools and guidelines for higher education institutions. 

To close the day, leading UL researcher Gunta Kalvāne invited participants to try green yoga exercises—offering a fun and symbolic reminder of the importance of balance—not only within ourselves but also in nature and society.