Sustainability Transition and Global Citizenship in the Digital Era: Innovations in Universities
There is a world consensus that Sustainability Science – i.e., a branch of science concerned with an integrated view of the three main dimensions of sustainable development – can contribute to realising the vision set in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The concepts of sustainability Science and transition are deeply interconnected, with Sustainability Transition involving fundamental changes in both environmental and socio-technical systems. This transition addresses complementary aspects of achieving a sustainable and equitable future. Within this context, “Sustainable Global Citizenship”, has emerged as a crucial area of discussion, emphasising the importance of citizens' activities under the principles of sustainable development, on both local and global scales. In the digital era, Higher Education Institutions are at the forefront of driving innovations that leverage digital technologies to promote sustainability transition and global citizenship, facilitating new ways of learning and collaborating towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Further to the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th World Symposium on Sustainability Science and Research, held in the UK (2018), Brazil (2019), online (2021), and Spain (2023) respectively, the 5th World Symposium on Sustainability Science and Research is now being prepared. The event is organised by the European School of Sustainability Science and Research (ESSSR), the International Sustainable Development Research Programme (IUSDRP) and the European North American Sustainability Research Consortium (ENASRC) in cooperation with various organisations. Universidade Aberta will host it, and the event will be held in Lisbon, Portugal, on 26th-27th May 2025.
Under the theme "Sustainability Transition and Global Citizenship in the Digital Era: Innovations in Universities", the 5th World Symposium on Sustainability Science and Research aims to identify and disseminate ideas and experiences on how institutions are leveraging their practices and innovative digital technologies to foster sustainable transition and achieve Sustainable Global Citizenship. This symposium will serve as a platform for sharing knowledge and strategies that can enhance the role of institutions in promoting sustainability and global citizenship.
Sustainability researchers worldwide are warmly invited to attend and present their work at the Symposium: their active inputs will help to reiterate the potential of Sustainability Science and Research, showing how it may contribute to the realisation of Sustainable Global Citizenship.
