GIU Participates in Higher Education Sustainability (HESI) Networking Forum

On Wednesday, May 21, 2025, Global Interfaith University joined several other members to participate in the inaugural Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI) Networking Forum. This virtual Forum, designed to foster meaningful connections and collaboration across the higher education and sustainable development community, featured interactive networking, breakout discussions, UN and Action Group presentations, and a showcase of innovative member-led initiatives.

The HESI Networking Forum focused on enhancing dialogue and collaboration among members of the higher education community, with a particular emphasis on sustainable development initiatives. Ola Goransson from UN DESA welcomed participants and outlined the agenda, which included interactive networking sessions, introductions from UN partners, and presentations on sustainability. The forum has grown to include 1,200 members, highlighting the importance of collective action in addressing sustainability challenges within higher education.

Francescpedro from UNESCO emphasized the critical role of higher education institutions in sustainability through rigorous research and community engagement. He shared successful examples of initiatives that connect students with local communities to implement sustainable practices. Francescpedro encouraged participants to embrace networking opportunities, as collaborations between universities can lead to significant advancements, particularly in areas like renewable energy. He called for bold actions to create a sustainable future for both educational institutions and the communities they serve.

The interactive networking sessions were designed to facilitate discussions in small groups, with participants engaging in three rounds of 15-minute conversations. However, technical difficulties arose, leading to challenges in joining breakout rooms. Participants, including Debra Rowe, suggested improvements for future sessions, such as allowing self-selection of groups. Despite these issues, the team aimed to enhance the networking experience and ensure that participants could connect effectively.

Ola Goransson presented the HESI partnership framework, which aims to strengthen collaboration among the expanding network of members. The framework will focus on teaching and learning, research and innovation, and partnership engagement, with key activities including an annual global forum and thematic workshops. Jonghwi Park highlighted the importance of inclusivity in higher education and invited feedback on the innovative networking format. He encouraged participants to continue building on the discussions and to engage in upcoming events, including the Global Sustainable Development Congress in Istanbul.