SFG-FAU Symposium : Education for Sustainable Futures (June 9th 2026)
About this Event
Education for Sustainable Futures
Partnerships across nations, sectors, and disciplines for effective outreach, engagement, and learning
9 June 2026 | FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
This international symposium brings together educators, researchers, practitioners, artists, policymakers, and community leaders to explore how education can meaningfully contribute to sustainable futures across disciplines, cultures, and countries.
Participants will engage in a dynamic mix of plenary sessions, facilitated exchanges, masterclasses, and partnership events. The programme is designed to strengthen equitable and ethical partnerships and to foster interdisciplinary collaboration.
The symposium will:
- Explore innovative approaches to education for sustainability across diverse contexts
- Support equitable and ethical partnership practices in research, policy, and practice
- Provide hands-on learning opportunities through masterclasses
- Strengthen a growing international community of practice committed to sustainable futures
Highlights include:
- Plenary sessions on education across disciplines, cultures, and countries
- Learn with the SFG masterclasses on global education for sustainability and ethical participation for decision making
- A partnership evening showcasing new collaborations, projects, and opportunities
This symposium is for those who believe education is a powerful lever for transformation, and that sustainable futures are built through connection, collaboration, and care across boundaries.
*** Registration includes participation to all or selected activities, coffee breaks, and entry to the partnership/networking event. Lunch is not included.
Get a glimpse of our symposium events by watching the video for SFG Symposium 2024, in Malawi.
Agenda
?: 08:30 AM - 09:00 AM
Welcome Participants
?: 09:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Symposium Opening and Plenary
Info: The day begins with a symposium opening and plenary session welcoming new participants, led by the symposium hosts and SFG co-directors.
?: 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Parallel Sessions - Education for Sustainable Futures
Info: Late morning sessions run in parallel, combining working meetings and topical presentations shaped by active and emerging projects, alongside shared booth spaces with partner organisations. If you are interested in presenting your work (10-20 mins) please contact: [email protected]
?: 12:30 PM - 01:30 PM
Lunch (not included)
?: 01:30 PM - 04:30 PM
Masterclass - Ethical Participation for decision making
Info: Dr Juliette Alenda-Demoutiez, SFG Participatory Policy Hub Lead, Radboud University, Netherlands / Dr Olekae Thakadu, SFG Botswana Hub Lead, University of Botswana
Participation, often defined as “taking part” or “sharing responsibility”, is central to politics, policy, and community life, yet its meaning and practice vary widely across contexts. While widely invoked in democratic and professional settings, participation in practice often falls short of its intentions. Drawing on global experience of both meaningful and superficial approaches, the Sustainable Futures Global Network offers this Masterclass to examine key principles and pitfalls of participatory decision-making across sectors and cultures. Designed for those who lead, influence, or seek a voice in decisions, it equips participants with practical, ethical approaches to engage more genuinely, responsibly, and effectively in participatory processes.
?: 01:30 PM - 04:30 PM
Masterclass - Global Education for Sustainability
Info: Professor Mia Perry, Co-Director, SFG; University of Glasgow, UK / Professor Sola Ajayi, Global Board, SFG; VC Abiola Ajimobi Technical University, Nigeria / Dr Marcela Ramos, SFG Course lead; Universidad de Caldas, Chile
The Sustainable Futures Global sees education as key to shaping communities and futures, yet access to meaningful, international higher education is increasingly limited by rising costs, standardization, and bureaucracy. At the same time, rapid social and ecological change demands more adaptive and creative learning pathways. In response, SFG offers this Masterclass, drawing on a decade of global collaboration to explore and challenge the structures of global education. It supports educators, students, and leaders to reflect on their roles and equips them with practical tools grounded in sustainability, equity, ethics, and economic viability to create meaningful impact.
?: 05:00 PM - 07:00 PM
Networking Event
Info: The day concludes with a partnership evening featuring keynote contributions, partner showcases, and opportunities to connect over a reception and informal networking.
Throughout the day...
Info: Running throughout the day, an exhibition gallery will showcase art pieces, posters, performances, and other creative works, providing an ongoing space for expression, dialogue, and interdisciplinary exchange.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 0.00 to GBP 44.04
