The world is following a new environmental trajectory and an increasing number of stakeholders are alarmed by the prospect of complex unprecedented ecological, socioeconomic, political and demographic challenges.
Besides profound changes in geo-political maps, the world is facing a new generation of global environmental, socio-economic, political and demographic challenges, for which institutions are often under-equipped. This new generation of global challenges have, at their heart, a set of complex linkages between institutions, markets, nature and citizenship. These linkages often difficult to navigate, but their understanding is essential to ensure sustainability transitions.
Geneva is one of the planetary centers of the elaboration and negotiation of sustainability policy frameworks, as well as one of the core sites of scientific innovation and a thriving world economic hub. It offers therefore a formidable pool of knowledge to help public and private entities to address these challenges.
To address this need, the University of Geneva developed GEPP, a transdisciplinary program aimed to improve decision making, governance and forecasting for sustainability transition. The Program has partnered with major stakeholders, including the United Nations Environment Programme, Harvard University's ZOFNASS Program for Sustainable Infrastructure and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, to organize knowledge-sharing occasions.
GEPP operates on a global scale, combining rigorous, engaging and cutting-edge training programs, tailored to the needs of public and private entities, with a rich dissemination activity (open conferences, workshops, talks and dialogues) to nurture the emergence of true sustainability leaders. Knowledge-sharing and high-level professional networking represent the two pillars of the program.
GEPP is a unique learning initiative bridging the worlds of quality research, multilateral governance and value creation.
Contact GEPP to schedule a consultation.
GEPP Director Dr. Alexandre Hedjazi
Telephone: +41 22 379 0828
PROFESSIONAL TRAININGS 2022/2023
Advancements in urban sustainability management: Meaning, Measuring, Monitoring & Mobilization
Geneva, June 23-25, 2022
The 3-Days Continuing Education Training Programme Advancements in Urban Sustainability Management, which took place on June 23-25 in Geneva, has been oriented at the professionals working on urban development who aspire to gain practical knowledge and skills in urban sustainability management, especially public administrators and business managers. It was organized in collaboration with ASI, the Salvadorean Association for Entrepreneurs and gathered participants from Europe and Central America.
This Executive Training aimed at strengthening the capacities of professionals working on urban development to formulate, manage and deliver urban initiatives that reinforce sustainable urban development, urban resilience and support post-COVID recovery.
The program was organized around three themes: “Meaning”, “Measuring and monitoring”, and “Mobilization.” Discussion focused n developing a strategic vision and a plan; a monitoring framework to track progress towards project objectives to date; and mobilization of resources to ensure successful implementation, including development of Public-Private Partnerships and communication with local communities.
A graduation ceremony for Central American participants was organized in El Salvador at the presence of government officials and representatives of the business community. See news coverage.
Agenda
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23 June 2022: Meaning |
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09:00 - 10:00 |
Welcome coffee and meet the tutors |
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10:00 - 12:00 |
Session 1. Introduction: Connecting sustainability, urban resilience and post-COVID recovery (All Instructors) |
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12:00 - 13:00 |
Lunch break |
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13:00 - 14:30 |
Session 2. SDGs, urban planning and management : Resilience led Nature Based Solutions in Cities (Dr. Alexandre Hedjazi) |
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14:30 - 16:00 |
Workshop 1. Experimenting Urban Watershed Revitalization |
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16:00 - 18:00 |
Field study : City of Geneva - Plage des Eaux-Vives |
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19:00 - 21:00 |
Networking Dinner – Conversations on Foresigth with Stephan Mergenthaler ( WEF - World Economic Forum) |
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24 June 2022: Measuring and Monitoring |
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10:00 - 12:00 |
Session 3. Assessing progress towards SDGs: practical approaches (Dr. Agata Krause) |
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12:00 - 13:00 |
Lunch break |
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13:00 - 14:30 |
Session 4. Tools for measuring and monitoring of urban sustainability across sectors (Dr. Sherif Kinawy) |
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14:30 - 16:00 |
Workshop 2. Developing a Voluntary Local Review |
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19:00 - 21:00 |
Networking Dinner |
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25 June 2022: Mobilization |
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09:00 - 11:00 |
Session 5. Best practices in sustainability-led citizen engagement (Dr .Matteo Tarantino) |
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11:00 - 12:30 |
Session 6. Developing Public-Private Partnerships in practice (Dr. Sherif Kinawy) |
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12:30 - 13:30 |
Lunch break |
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13:30 - 15:00 |
Workshop 3. Making the right Choices in designing Engagement Processes |
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15:00 - 16:00 |
Closing Ceremony. |