Students shaped ideas about the future of the EU GREEN universities in Parma

Last week, around 150 students from across Europe gathered in Parma, Italy, for the first student conference of the European University EU GREEN. Over two intensive days, students from the alliance's nine universities discussed what the sustainable and inclusive university of the future might look like.

The conference, which took place on March 6–7 at the Università di Parma, was organized within the framework of the EU GREEN Alliance and the Parma European Youth Capital 2027 initiative. The aim was to give students a central role in the development of cooperation between universities.

“It was fantastic to meet students from nine universities and learn about their successes and setbacks when it comes to sustainability. I was the panel leader in a panel where we focused on inclusion and diversity. We discussed, for example, different norms, racism, economic assets, and disabilities," says student Tilde Lööw, one of thirteen students who participated from the University of Gävle.

The event brought together students from different educational programs and countries who had previously collaborated digitally. During the conference, the work continued in workshops and panels where participants jointly developed ideas and proposals for the future.

"The most rewarding thing was getting to work with students from different countries and backgrounds. Through discussions and group work, we were able to exchange experiences and come up with new ideas on how education can become more inclusive, innovative, and practical. Meeting like this also helps us students understand how education and social issues look different in different parts of Europe," says student August Say.

The result of this work will be a joint document within EU GREEN – “A Road to Your Ideal University” – in which students present their visions, goals, and project proposals in areas such as sustainable mobility and student well-being on campus.

“It is so important that we meet across borders to understand the challenges that different countries face. If we are to achieve real change, I believe we need to encounter different cultures and hear different perspectives to understand why the world is the way it is,” says Tilde Lööw.

Text: Anna Sällberg