Politecnico di Torino Hosts the Youth4Climate Awards and the Universities for the Future Event
Youth4Climate Event: Sparking Solutions for Climate Action
From October 25-26, 2024, the Politecnico di Torino, a co-host institution of SDSN Italy, held the General Assembly for the Italian University Network for Sustainable Development (RUS). Alongside the assembly, a youth-dedicated event, "Youth4Climate & Universities for the Future: Sparking Solutions for Climate Action," was organized in collaboration with the Italian Ministry of Environment and Energy Security and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).
This event provided an important opportunity to discuss the future and direction of the RUS Network, with a specific focus on the role of young actors in achieving sustainable development. It featured keynote speakers from various sectors, including policymakers, academics, industry representatives, and young students and activists. Throughout the different sessions, speakers and panelists reflected on the roles of academia, youth organizations, and industry in sustainable development, discussing the outcomes of last year’s G7 summit and the impact of youth participation in climate action. You can find the full program of the event here.
SDSN Youth also participated to represent the changemakers of the future. Eleonora De Pirro, Network Coordinator for SDSN Youth Mediterranean, attended and spoke during Session 1, which included other young leaders discussing the importance of involving new generations and their contributions within the G7 framework. During her remarks, Pirro highlighted the work of SDSN Youth and SDSN Youth Mediterranean in mobilizing and empowering youth, emphasizing the need for their inclusion as key stakeholders in all institutional processes. From building youth-inclusive platforms to fostering leadership opportunities, international and regional organizations must ensure that young voices are heard for the effective implementation of sustainable solutions.
The event concluded with the Youth4Climate award ceremony, recognizing young activists for their efforts toward sustainable development through various projects. This initiative supports youth-led and youth-inclusive solutions to environmental and climate challenges, providing financial backing and capacity development for a more innovative and inclusive impact on the ground.
SDSN Italy and RUS: A Collaborative Vision for Sustainability in Italian Higher Education
Since its founding in July 2016, the Italian Network of Universities for Sustainable Development (RUS), promoted by the Conference of Italian University Rectors, has become Italy's first collaborative platform for universities committed to environmental sustainability and social responsibility. This pioneering network facilitates knowledge-sharing and coordination, uniting institutions across the country under a shared vision for a sustainable future. RUS aims to cultivate a culture of sustainability within and beyond university walls by leveraging collective expertise and joint initiatives.
As part of the SDSN Italy Leadership Council, RUS plays a crucial role in enhancing the positive impact of Italy’s universities on environmental, ethical, social, and economic issues, closely aligning with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
These activities are conducted under the umbrella of SDSN Italy. In September 2024, Politecnico di Torino and the University of Brescia took over as hosts of the Italian SDSN national network. For more information, please read here (in Italian)
