Students lie at the heart of every university community. At UNIgreen, student participation is indispensable for a thriving and effective European University. This belief was brought to life during the 2026 UNIgreen Festival, hosted by the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (UNIMORE), where student perspectives were highlighted.
The UNIgreen Festival brought together students from across the Alliance to reflect on democratic participation and sustainability, placing them at the centre as active contributors and co-creators of the experience. Through a combination of academic activities and practical engagement, the programme connected theoretical learning with real-world contexts by involving local institutions and organisations carefully selected for their participatory governance models and strong connection to the territory. These collaborations offered students concrete examples of collective responsibility and democratic practices in action.
By combining academic discussion with hands-on experiences, the festival showcased the vital role students play in governance, civic engagement, and international cooperation. Held in Reggio Emilia, Italy, the programme included lectures, workshops, dialogue sessions, and cultural visits, creating a dynamic environment for learning, exchange, and collaboration.
Linking student participation, democracy and European values
From April 20 to 24, UNIgreen students were present on the UNIMORE campus, for five full days that combined both academia and cultural outings. This Festival, in the format of a Blended Intensive Programme (BIP), gathered students from every UNIgreen institution, as well as other international partner institutions. A total of 60 students attended this flagship programme.
Before the onsite activities in Reggio Emilia, participants attended two online sessions dedicated to circular economy, networks, participation and sustainability, designed to provide a common theoretical background and introduce some of the key concepts that would later be explored through the practical and experiential activities of the onsite programme.
The Reggio Emilia programme started with an introduction to the UNIgreen Alliance and a welcome by the City Municipality and the host institution, followed by guided visits of Reggio Emilia, led by the local E35 Foundation, and UNIMORE’s research laboratories. These opening events set up the atmosphere for the upcoming days of involvement, conversation, and collective thought in a European academic setting.
Academic sessions focused on a few central themes such as democratic processes, political representation, and participatory governance in higher education, offering students a space to reflect and share opinions on their role. Interactive workshops and dedicated time for student associations gave way to talks on experiences and perspectives between the students participating, each one from different countries and educational systems.
Learning beyond the classroom
In line with UNIgreen’s commitment to connecting education with society, the Festival also emphasized experiential learning. A field trip to the Consortium Parmigiano Reggiano introduced the students to a cooperative governance model rooted in sustainability and territorial development. Dialogue sessions at the Reggio Children Foundation fostered discussion on education, innovation, and community engagement.
Career-oriented and community activities complemented the academic programme, with sessions on cooperative entrepreneurship by Legacoop, public speaking TEDex approach, and the use of AI tools in job hunting and recruitment. The Festival also opened to the wider university community through sports and recreational activities, an Earth Day entertaining event, and informal social moments that strengthened connections between students, the university, and the local territory.
The Festival concluded with a final roundtable involving UNIMORE’s Pro Rector Prof. Cristina Iani, followed by an evaluation session and a closing ceremony. Through this comprehensive programme, the UNIgreen Festival 2026 reaffirmed the Alliance’s commitment to placing students at the center of the European University project, as active contributors to governance, civic life, and international cooperation.
