Utopia Europe - Ecological Change 2021/22
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As part of the “Utopia Europe”call for proposals, initiated by the Office for University Cooperation at the Institute français Deutschland (IFD) and supported by the Franco-German University (DFH), students at TU Dresden are developing Franco-German discussion and exchange formats on the topic of“Ecology and Sustainability.”
This group of students, which emerged from the project seminar “Perspectives on Nature and the Environment – Utopia Europe” led by Dr. Torsten König in the winter semester of 2021/22 , is currently developing three project ideas for the call for proposals:
Project “Strengthening Education for Sustainable Development in Schools”
With this project, we aim to facilitate a German-French exchange on this topic through a workshop in collaboration with stakeholders from French and German initiatives. We want to discuss how children and young people can engage with the important global issues of our time in a playful and age-appropriate way, without being overwhelmed by daunting facts and fears about the future.
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June 22, 2022 – Utopie Europa Award Ceremony 2022
Following the success of previous editions, the Office for University Cooperation at the Institute for Foreign Affairs in Germany and the Franco-German University, in cooperation with the European Parliament Liaison Office in Germany and the European Commission Representation in Germany, have organized a third series of debates on the topic“Ecological Transition: Europe’s Future or a Green Utopia?”
The debate competition gave students at universities across Germany the opportunity to develop concrete ideas for their vision of Europe. Six student teams faced off on June 22, 2022, starting at 4:00 p.m. at the French Embassy and via Zoom as part of a public competition . A team of students from TU Dresden also presented its proposal on the topic “Ecological Transition: Europe’s Future or Green Utopia?” and made it to the semifinals.
The students and members of the jury for the 2022 Utopia Europe Prize
Opening remarks were delivered by:
- H.E. Anne-Marie DESCÔTES, Ambassador of the French Republic to Germany
- Dr. Jörg Wojahn, Representative of the European Commission in Germany
- Prof. Dr. Eva Martha Eckkrammer, Vice President of the Franco-German University
Members of the jury included:
- Dr. Jörg Wojahn, Representative of the European Commission in Germany
- Anna Deparnay-Grunenberg, Member of the European Parliament
- Dr. Charlotte Unger, Senior Research Associate, IASS Potsdam
- Jacob Ross, DGAP, Moderator
A reception followed, providing an opportunity to exchange views with the jury members.
Participation via Zoom was also possible.
Utopia Europe Prize 2022 Website
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June 10, 2022 - Franco-German online discussion on the topic “Education for Sustainable Development / Éducation au développement durable”
Poster on the occasion of the German-French online discussion on the topic “Education for Sustainable Development / Éducation au développement durable” on June 10, 2022, page 1.
Education for sustainable development is becoming increasingly important in the school context in light of the challenges posed by the development of sustainable lifestyles, environmental protection, and addressing the climate crisis. Our student project group would like to discuss this educational aspect from a comparative German-French perspective. We aim to compare the state of ESD work in Saxon schools with that in France, learn from one another, identify future challenges, and create momentum for a network of interested students, teachers, and pupils in the “French” subject.
The event was conducted in French.
Poster on the occasion of the German-French online discussion on the topic “Education for sustainable development / Éducation au développement durable” on June 10, 2022, page 2.
The event took place online via Zoom on June 10 at 4:00 p. m.
We had invited Florence Bouteloup, Head of the ESD Academic Mission at the Académie de Versailles, to serve as our expert discussion partner from the French side. Ms. Bouteloup reported on the state of ESD in France and then discussed it with us.
Our project group was formed as part of the call for proposals “Utopie Europe – Évolution écologique: avenir de l’Europe ou utopie verte?”, launched by the Institut Français Allemagne (https://utopieeuropa.institutfrancais.de/fr/accueil/).
Best regards,
Utopia Europe Project Group, TU Dresden
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Project “Green Exchange: Student Engagement for a Climate-Friendly Society”
The project “Green Exchange: Student Engagement for a Climate-Friendly Society” focuses on student initiatives for sustainability and ecological thinking and action in France and Germany. Specifically, we aim to create an intercultural exchange platform (digital/in-person) where student initiatives or their representatives at TU Dresden can exchange ideas and network with those at selected French universities. The goal is for the initiatives to learn from one another and to promote European exchange.
Project “Urban Greening: Green Roofs and Facades. Europe’s Future or a Green Utopia?”
Green facades represent a largely untapped opportunity to improve the quality of life in cities and combat climate change. The goal of this initiative is to connect French and German stakeholders and perspectives in this field, create a platform for exchange, and, on this basis, explore joint opportunities to make gray walls greener and potentially even launch collective pilot projects. Through panel discussions and roundtable talks, experts from France and Germany will present their knowledge, explore possibilities for greening, and, in dialogue with the audience, develop potential perspectives regarding climate change, related cooperation, and the pioneering roles of France and Germany.
