WTI participates in Sustainable University Day

Sustainable development presents greater challenges than ever, given the global exploitation of natural resources and the associated injustices. How do universities ensure that the sustainable development they teach, research, and practise in their daily operation benefits society? What can we expect of universities in future?These are some of the questions being addressed at the day-long event.

The WTI and CDE researchers are focussing on the topic of law and sustainability in a display that draws on three projects: land-grabbing, climate and waste. Posters, slide shows and interactive elements serve as a platform for dialogue.

The three projects examine the extent to which sustainability is taken into consideration in the creation of a global legal framework, and where gaps exist. The project on waste, for example, looks at how legal measures at a national, regional and global level can prevent further plastic pollution of the seas.

Sustainable University Day will be held annually within the four-year Sustainable Development at Universities Programme of the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences. The programme aims at joining and strengthening the competencies of Swiss universities in the field of sustainable development.

In the morning session, researchers, teaching staff, and students of various Swiss universities are offering specialised workshops. In the afternoon, the spotlight turns to the University of Bern, with presentations planned on selected projects dealing with sustainable development. Visitors will be able to talk to researchers and learn more about the challenges and opportunities their projects present.

Two lectures will deal with the importance of current education and research topics for sustainable development and will be followed by a podium discussion.

The event is free of charge, but registration is required for participation in the workshops.