The Università degli Studi di Parma, one of the oldest universities in Europe with a millennium of history, has joined UNEP’s Global Universities Partnership on Environment for Sustainability (GUPES) network at a public event held at the university on 31 March 2016.

The commitment to join GUPES was officially signed by the university Rector, Prof. Loris Borghi, in the presence of over 80 invited guests including the Vice Mayor of Parma Paci Nicoletta Lia Rosa.

Prof. Borghi announced the recent establishment of a sustainability department in the university – an important milestone to promote and integrate sustainability principles across the institution. He also spoke of the university’s interest to work with UNEP in developing learning tools and services to advance sustainable development.

GUPES promotes the integration of environment and sustainability principles and practices into curricula development, teaching, research, community engagement and the management of universities, including the greening of facilities and operations. It also works to enhance student engagement and participation in sustainability activities both within and beyond universities. More than 130 European universities now form part of the GUPES network in Europe.

On the occasion of the signing ceremony, UNEP's focal point for Major Groups and Stakeholders Wondwosen Asnake presented UNEP’s programmes and activities, including those involving environmental education and education for sustainable development, its role in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and preparations for the second session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-2).

UNEA-2 is expected to adopt a resolution focusing on environmental education entitled ‘Investing in human capacity for sustainable development, through environmental education and training’. Such commitment by governments will further strengthen UNEP’s partnership with the education community and ensure that more innovative educational tools and services are developed to deliver on the environmental dimension of the 2030 Agenda.

For more details please write to wondewosen.asnake@unep.org