After an isolating pandemic period, we were very happy to meet again for the realization of the next edition of SF´23 (Sustainability Festival 2023). Previous editions were held during s series of Sustainability Week events, but this one, held in April, was fresh, creative, and inspiring...., in short, the spring's dynamic creativity was beneficial for the festival's success in all dimensions in a truly revitalizing way.
The organization of this event was coordinated by the Ethics Committee of the University of Economics in Bratislava (EUBA) under the leadership of its chair Assoc. Ing. Mgr. Gabriela Dubcová, PhD. The patronage was taken over by the Dean of the Faculty of Business Management of the UE in Bratislava, doc. Ing. Anita Romanová, PhD.
The festival was structured and run in three categories within the competence of 3 committees:
"THE BEST PRACTICE WITH LARGEST POSITIVE IMPACTS" (in the Committee of Professionals),
"THE BEST DISSEMINATION" (in the Committee of Educators),
"THE MOST CREATIVE PRESENTATION" (in the Committee of Students).
The essence of this project is a "best practice", created by a research team of three students from three countries around the world, who are engaged in a comparative analysis of their chosen current ESG problem in their home countries in relation to at least one common goal of sustainable development, focusing mainly on recommendations for sustainably beneficial solutions.
On behalf of the Dean of the Faculty of Business Management of the EUBA, doc. Ing. Anita Romanová, PhD., the festival was opened by doc. Ing. Nora Grisáková, PhD., Vice-Dean for Development and Social Issues. She appreciated students’ active interest in corporate social responsibility, ethical behavior, ESG, and sustainable development. The event was moderated by Doc. Ing. Mgr. Gabriela Dubcová, PhD., the supervisor of the event.
10 teams with members from 12 countries (Slovakia, Spain, France, Germany, Italy, Romania, Serbia, Ukraine, Vietnam, India, Iran, United Kingdom) met the competition requirements and represented not only their universities but also their countries in an erudite and enthusiastic manner. The competition, especially the attractive topics of the presentations and the communication, was extremely exciting for all involved. Topics were very challenging and the way the teams handled them was very evocative and stimulating - like a drive on a bridge connecting the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda. .... The top three were awarded valuable prizes and diplomas. Together with the Vice Dean, the prizes were handed over by members of the Committee of Professionals (as EUBA educates and trains its students, especially for responsible partners applying ESG principles). Special prizes for the exceptional performance of the competing teams were also awarded this year: the Rector's Award and the Dean's Award. Special thanks to the responsible partners (Whirlpool Slovakia, CocaCola ‑HBC Czech Republic and Slovakia, dm Drogerie Markt Slovakia, COOP Jednota Slovakia, Medový obchod CERA MEL, LYRA GROUP, Skanska SK, Slovnaft) for their precious time, erudite friendly communication and mainly very valuable, inspiring and motivating material and experiential gifts (excursions). But let the participants speak:
1/ On behalf of contestants:
"The festival is well organized. I would like to thank the committee and the organizing team very much for organizing this festival. It is a worthwhile program that encourages students to come up with ideas, contribute to solving existing problems, and connect with international friends." (Vietnam)
"SF'23 has been a great learning experience for me. Thank you for the great organization of the competition." (India)
"I would like to thank you very much for a very nice event as well as the opportunity to perform. It was very well organized. I think the prizes were a pleasant surprise and a pleasure for all of us. Thank you." (Slovakia)
"Thank you very much for organizing today's festival. I really enjoyed it and it was a great opportunity to discuss various important topics and think more openly about some aspects." (Germany)
"At the beginning, it was stressful for me but after that everything was fine. I learned a lot of interesting information about different countries.....and our team won first place and cool gifts." (Ukraine)
"SF23 provided us with a great experience and helped us gain insight into what is happening in the world along with possible solutions to these problems. A very charming and fun experience. The winners were awarded many outstanding prizes." (UK)
2/ On behalf of evaluation committees:
"Participating in the Sustainability Festival was a great experience for me. An enriching and enjoyable event full of positive energy and cultural diversity. I look forward to next year's event." (Member of the Ethics Committee Zuzana Joniaková, Commission of Educators)
"I evaluate the festival very positively, it was an inspiring event where students presented interestingly elaborated topics focused on sustainable entrepreneurship." (Filip Stovíček, Student Commission)
"I have been happy to return to EUBA for more than twelve years and I always support, on behalf of Whirlpool, HRcomm, and also on behalf of the Business Leaders Forum, various forms of education focused on sustainable business, diversity inclusion, mainly in the really creative and inspiring way, like for example the Sustainability Festival. Effective cooperation with EUBA and especially with Assoc. Mgr. Ing. Gabriela Dubcová, PhD., Chairwoman of the Ethics Committee, is for me a real example not only in the context of responsible business but also an inspiration for other companies in Slovakia." ( Committee Chairman Jaroslav Grygar, Executive Director & Senior Manager, HR, Whirlpool Slovakia)
3/ On behalf of the organizers:
"It was an honor to represent the Dean of the Faculty of Business Management, Assoc. Anita Romanova, PhD. at the Sustainability Festival. This year was the fifth edition of this festival, through which we are making a significant contribution to the internationalization of university education and it is proof of our commitment to a better future. As the Sustainability Festival celebrated its small anniversary this year, the winning teams were awarded special prizes by the Rector and the Dean of the FPM. I would like to thank the organizers, participants, and sponsors for their efforts in making the Sustainability Festival a reality, and we look forward to future editions." (Vice-Dean for Development and Social Affairs Assoc. Ing. Nora Grisáková, Ph.D.)
"I thank all the participants who contributed in any way to the successful realization of this unique event and I invite you to SF´24. (Chairwoman of the Ethics Committee of the UE in Bratislava Gabriela Dubcová)
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