The latest FISU Student Ambassadors webinar, focused on sustainability and moderated by FISU Education and Culture team member Albina Rakhmatullina, was held 27 May 2024. The session allowed the FISU community to engage in discussion and ask questions about FISU’s sustainability missions and goals, as well as its work with global partners.
Paulo Ferreira, FISU Director General, delivered opening remarks welcoming everyone and expressing gratitude to the organisers, speakers, and attendees. He emphasised the significance of sustainability within FISU, not only in sports but also in our daily lives.
Sameer Janmohamed, Assistant to the Director General (FISU Sustainability), was the first presenter. He shared insights on the importance of sustainability and what it entails, FISU’s sustainability objectives for 2022-2025, and the status of sustainability within FISU. He also highlighted the negative impacts of unsustainability such as famine, poor health, displacement of people, and armed conflicts due to scarce resources. His presentation also outlined ways in which sport can contribute to sustainability and FISU’s initiatives in this area.
The second presenter, Noémie Métais from UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme), discussed the programme’s goals, missions, and visions. UNEP is actively working towards addressing the triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution. Work is done through various projects and initiatives such as green jobs for youth pacts, greening education partnerships, nature positive universities, and S4N principles.
Mirinda Kidman, the Manager of Delegation Services for the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games, then presented on their plans for sustainability. She highlighted the focus areas and dimensions related to environmental, social, and economic sustainability. Sustainability activation plans were also discussed, including engaging NUSFs (national university sports federations) to promote sustainability.
The webinar concluded with breakout sessions where ideas for sustainability activation for the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU Games were brainstormed. Participants were encouraged to submit their ideas through an online form for a chance to win a merchandise prize.