“How do we work together to envision a better world, holding onto hope? How do we build a world that has equal opportunities for everyone? I’m proud of our educational community for collectively pondering these questions, for the 10th time in a row. Recognizing the steps we've taken and the potential ahead. These efforts are shaping global citizens, one step at a time.”
- Rector Magnificus Jeroen Geurts during the opening ceremony.
Sustaining hope in times of crisis by Arjen Wals
“In the context of climate change and global crises, higher education faces a pivotal moment to redefine its role and priorities,” says keynote speaker Arjen Wals, Professor of Transformative Learning for Socio-Ecological Sustainability at Wageningen University. Wals discusses the shift towards embracing human-centered and earth education, recognizing the interplay between various elements: be it our lives, societal dynamics, economic systems, educational paradigms, or the health of our planet. “The key is not to see these elements in separate boxes, but as inevitably intertwined. That's what it's about, seeing these connections.”
Wals recognized that the challenge of embedding sustainability into the curriculum is made more difficult by its often unclear nature. Yet it's critical for education systems to evolve, emphasizing competencies that enable everyone to address environmental challenges effectively. “This shift extends beyond superficial reforms to a fundamental systemic redesign,” Wals advocates for a holistic approach that combines research, activism, and innovative teaching methods. “Sustainability is not something to learn, it’s something to live. It needs courage to challenge existing paradigms and the willingness to embrace discomfort and change. This holistic shift underscores the need for education to not only adapt, but also lead in the journey towards a more sustainable and interconnected world.” says Wals.
