The University of Thessaly actively participated in the 18th International Conference on Energy and Climate Change, organized by the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) and the PROMITHEASnet Network. The conference took place from October 6 to 10, 2025, at the NKUA Museum of History and brought together leading researchers, policymakers, diplomats, and academics from around the world.

On the opening day, a meeting was held for the UNAI SDG Hub Chairs, Co-Chairs, and Vice Chairs as part of the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) initiative — a global network of universities endorsed by the United Nations that links higher education with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Representing Greece and all Greek universities, Professor Chrysi Laspidou, Vice-Rector for Innovation, Internationalization, Collaborations, and Digital Governance of the University of Thessaly, and Head of One Planet Thessaly, participated on behalf of Rector Professor Charalampos Billinis.

In her remarks, Professor Laspidou emphasized the vital role of universities as catalysts for social transformation and drivers of sustainable development, stating that:

“Universities are not limited to producing knowledge — they serve as collaborative networks connecting science, policy, and society.”

The conference brought together Chairs and Vice-Chairs of the UNAI SDG Hubs from across the globe, including Prof. Hettie Schönfeldt (University of Pretoria, SDG 3), Dr. Leena James (Christ University, SDG 5), Prof. Drew Franklin (University of Auckland, SDG 8), Prof. Mark Charlton (De Montfort University, SDG 11), Prof. Alpaslan Özerdem (Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution, George Mason University, SDG 16), and Prof. Jian Zhang (Tsinghua University, SDG 17).

The keynote address was delivered by Mr. Robert Skinner, Chief of Partnerships and Global Engagement at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. He spoke about the importance of strengthening global partnerships and the evolving relationship between universities and the UN in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The conference featured multiple thematic sessions covering energy transition, circular economy, sustainable cities, and climate adaptation. At the official dinner with ambassadors and delegates, conversations centered on international academic collaboration and the role of universities in shaping sustainability policies.

The University of Thessaly’s participation aligns with its Strategic Plan to integrate the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across all aspects of the institution — including teaching, research, governance, and community engagement.

As part of this commitment, the University has established a Sustainability Team made up of SDG Ambassadors—faculty members dedicated to guiding students and promoting the 17 Sustainable Development Goals both within the institution and throughout the broader Thessaly community.

The University of Thessaly’s active participation in this international forum underscores its leadership in Greek higher education and its dedication to global collaboration, sustainability, and social responsibility.

Date: October 6–10, 2025 Venue: Museum of History, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens For more information, visit: PROMITHEASnet 2025 Conference