University of Split representatives attended the Green Workshop organized by the University of Gdańsk
On June 6-7, 2024, representatives from different SEA-EU universities gathered in Gdańsk, Poland, for the SEA-EU 2.0 project meeting under Task 4.4 Goes Greener. Among them were delegates from the University of Split: student Gabriela Matić, Associate Professor Ljiljana Najev Čačija, Professor Smiljana Pivčević, Associate Professor Marin Ugrina, and Professor Nediljka Vukojević Medvidović. Their goal was to enhance global partnerships for sustainable development.
Local small steps towards green transformation at HEI’s showcase progress and results of SEA-EU universities
The meeting began with introductory speeches by Piotr Stepnowski, Rector of the University of Gdańsk, and Sylwia Mrozowska, Vice-Rector and coordinator of the Task SEA-EU Goes Greener. The highlight event was the award ceremony, featuring researchers Dominik Goik, Adam Konopka, and Patrycja Juchniewicz whose speeches emphasize that gender inequality is still deeply rooted in every society, as well as the need to include a gender perspective in research. Their research titles were:
• “What HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) Induced Changes in a Proteome Can Tell Us About Pregnant Women’s Health?” (Dominik Goik)
• “On Birth Control in the Polish People’s Republic – A Discourse-Historical Analysis” (Adam Konopka)
• “X-Chromosome Inactivation in Metabolic Disorders and in Healthy Individuals” (Patrycja Juchniewicz)
The session concluded the need for enhanced coordinated efforts to implement gender equality goals, including healthcare, violence prevention and support for female leadership.
In the second part of the program, a session on local steps towards green transformation in higher education institutions featured presentations from SEA-EU universities on their sustainability activities. The initiatives within the SEA-EU Alliance contribute significantly to creating sustainable cities and communities through approaches like sustainable campuses, circular economy, energy efficiency improvements, waste management, and sustainability education. These efforts help create sustainable and more resilient urban communities.
At the “Green Plan” workshop, led by Magdalena Żadkowska and Elżbiete Czapke, interactive activities and discussions were centered around the key elements of the SDG Declaration to be signed by all SEA-EU university partners. The day concluded with a formal dinner at Zdrojowy House, providing an opportunity for informal conversations and networking.
The second day started with discussions and measurements of personal carbon footprint, raising awareness about environmental impact and promoting personal responsibility in reducing CO2 emissions, aligning with SDG 13. The Sustainable Development Day at the University of Gdańsk showcased best practices in sustainability. During the poster session on “SEA-EU Green Transformation,” the University of Split team presented their poster “Nudges for Green Transformation in Line with SDG Goals,” highlighting initiatives to promote sustainability and discussing good practices from other universities. Additionally, Aleksandra Pepłowska from Deloitte delivered a lecture on ESG reporting, emphasizing its importance in higher education institutions for promoting sustainability, social responsibility, and strong governance practices. Throughout the activities, SEA-EU representatives engaged in discussions about future projects, focusing on sustainability and cooperation among SEA-EU universities.
The event concluded with a tour of Gdańsk’s old town. The next SEA-EU meeting will be hosted by the University of Split next year, aiming to further sustainable practices within the SEA-EU Alliance.
