G. Pavan - Students' commitment to sustainability

Gea Pavan

Students' commitment to sustainability

Gea Pavan is sustainability manager and co-president for the SUPSI Student Association. SUPSI encourages sustainable development education for the democratic participation of students in discussions for a move towards a more sustainable society.

How can SUPSI encourage student participation in sustainability initiatives?

The SUPSI administration has moved in recent years to organise more and more sustainability-themed activities with the aim of raising awareness among the university community, always touching on the topic in its entirety while addressing a general audience. I believe that in the future SUPSI should focus on individual sustainability-related aspects and create tailor-made events covering the different subject areas. A good place to start was the Sustainability Week held in March 2023: five days with activities dedicated to each sustainability theme aimed at the entire SUPSI community.

What possibilities do students have to become active on this issue?

SUPSI allows students to bring their own ideas and initiatives. These include the U-Change project and various competitions related to sustainability. The Student Association is also committed to promoting sustainability to the student community, acting as a meeting place for students, ideas and the university.

How do you envision a more sustainable campus and how can students contribute to it?

A more sustainable campus requires the collaboration of all stakeholders in the university. Students, as well as staff, should be given more space in proposing insights and practical proposals to improve sustainability on campus.

What are the students' expectations of their future education and work environment in terms of sustainability?

The students want to be in an environment that is economically, socially and environmentally sustainable.
They will be the future workers, so they expect a labour market where the rights of the individual are respected and free of discrimination. Young workers are increasingly concerned about what awaits them in the future. SUPSI, as a vehicle of knowledge, must raise awareness and support for a continuous improvement of market conditions and its stakeholders.