Sustainability 4 All: this was the debut of the new curricular unit, which is transversal to the whole university
It is, as we have said here before, a unique opportunity for NOVA students to learn more about sustainability, covering the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Welcome Session, which kicked off this Sustainability 4All course, took place at NOVA FCT on 1 March and included inspiring talks and two dynamic workshops on Theory of Change and Systems Thinking – a moment that proved to be a unique opportunity to create a network of contacts across all NOVA schools.
In total, more than 100 students attended, after being welcomed by the Director of NOVA FCT, José Alferes, and then treated to 3 theoretical context sessions: first, Júlia Seixas, Vice Rector of NOVA in charge of Sustainability, contextualised the theme; then Nuno Videira, Professor of environmental engineering at NOVA FCT, highlighted the need to use methodologies such as Systems Thinking when approaching sustainability issues; and finally Sofia Quintas, Professor of Change Management at NOVA IMS, recalled the importance of narratives to stimulate sustainable change.
Finally, as is customary at sustainability events, the students were invited to a celebratory lunch provided by Desafio Vegetariano – a project of Associação Aliança Animal that invites people to try a vegetarian diet for a month – promoting a more conscious diet.