On Friday 29 April, on the occasion of the eighth Sustainable University Day, students, researchers, teachers and staff from universities and universities of applied sciences from all over Switzerland met in Mendrisio to discuss sustainable development and education for sustainable development. An initiative organised by the "U Change" funding programme of the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences in collaboration with the University of Lugano (USI) and the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI).
As suggested by the title of this year's event, "Universities and the 2030 Agenda: what role do social challenges, dialogue with the territory and student engagement play?", the day offered opportunities to discuss the leading role played by universities in promoting more aware lifestyles and more sustainable societies. The responsibility of higher academic institutions in this area is also highlighted by the UN Agenda 2030, which with its 17 goals has been the universal reference framework for sustainable development since 2016.