Ginevra Loli
G. Loli - Dalla partecipazione all’azione con l'organizzazione della Settimana della Sostenibilità
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Ginevra Loli is a third-year Bachelor’s student in Business Administration and in 2025 took part in organizing Sustainability Week.
How did you get involved in organizing Sustainability Week?
I saw some Instagram stories inviting students to propose ideas for Sustainability Week. Since I am already involved in similar initiatives with Green Up, I thought about suggesting a clothing swap workshop, an initiative I had already experienced before. I thought, "Let’s see if it can work out." Shortly after, I was contacted by the Career, Experience, and Orientation Service, which appreciated my proposal and invited me to develop it further. Together, we discussed the practical details to make it happen in the best possible way.
Would you recommend that students take part in the organization?
Yes, absolutely. I am personally involved in sustainability topics, and last year I participated in the event as an attendee. I found it to be an interesting opportunity, with workshops, debates, and conferences that, while not directly part of our study programs, are still closely related to our educational paths, such as those on circular economy, sustainable fashion, and slow fashion. These topics can be of interest to different people in different ways, but they always add value to our academic education. Moreover, participating in these activities allows us to get to know students from other departments or even from the same department but enrolled in different Bachelor’s programs. This exchange of ideas broadens our network, including connections with professors and external professionals. It’s a unique opportunity for informal networking.
In your opinion, is there enough student participation? How can we better promote the organization among students?
Participation could be improved. There are some students, like me, who actively propose ideas, but not everyone is as inclined to do so. In fact, we had a common call with those who had submitted ideas for this edition of Sustainability Week, and most of them were women. Despite promotion through screens and social media, the students who participate in Sustainability Week are usually already passionate about these topics. Students should feel encouraged to suggest ideas, highlight what is missing, and ask for the necessary support to make their proposals happen. In this regard, I think we are on the right track, as in my case, the collaboration between students and the SUPSI Management was essential: together, these synergies create a richer and more complete program. If you propose an idea, there will certainly be someone to help you bring it to life.
What aspects have been the most stimulating for you?
I am really happy that my proposal was accepted. In particular, the fact that I will have the opportunity to coordinate the workshop alongside the CEO Service gives me great satisfaction. It will be a special opportunity to collaborate with the head of Green Up Ticino, promoting and explaining the clothing swap events in Ticino. Having the chance to make a difference firsthand is always very exciting.
Looking at the entire week, what impact do you hope it will have?
This year, I signed up for four events. I really appreciate the variety of topics covered during the week, which include not only environmental issues but also social and economic ones. The program is well-balanced, and I think there is something for everyone. One aspect I find interesting is that thanks to last year’s Sustainability Week, I became aware of the topic of crowdfunding, which is now the focus of my thesis. This shows how the event can inspire ideas and provide useful insights for academic paths. Another important aspect of this edition is that this year, the initiative was launched together with USI. The program allows all students to attend events at either university.
Do you have any advice for those who want to propose ideas in the future?
I want to tell those who might be a bit shy not to be afraid to step forward. I am a somewhat introverted person myself, yet last year I signed up for activities on my own and had the opportunity to meet new people. So I encourage everyone, even those who don’t have someone to go with, to participate without hesitation. It’s a great opportunity to learn, make new connections, and, most importantly, to be an active part of an initiative that promotes a more sustainable future.