project

Focus Sustainability

Focus Sustainability is the national center dedicated to promoting student engagement in sustainability in Switzerland. We believe that every student has the opportunity to work toward a more sustainable world. That’s why we provide tools and opportunities to maximize the impact of students at universities and beyond.

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Our mission is to empower university students to unlock their transformative potential in the field of sustainability by providing them with access to training, networking events, and coaching and mentoring programs. In collaboration with stakeholders from higher education and society, we are creating a dynamic ecosystem that fosters sustainable initiatives.

Founded in February 2021 by the VSN and Swiss Student Union, Focus Sustainability was a platform for students who wanted to actively engage in sustainability until the end of 2024. The center is currently undergoing restructuring due to financial difficulties resulting from national budget cuts.

We believe in three key pillars to promote student engagement: empower, support, and connect. Each of our initiatives is based on these principles:

Empower

We enable students to acquire in-depth knowledge and key skills in environmental, social, and economic sustainability.

Support

We support you in developing concrete projects and offer expert advice.

Network

We promote exchange between students, experts, and institutions to create a committed and dynamic network.

Focus on students

Since its founding in 2021, more than 1,500 students in Switzerland have benefited from our support to start or join projects and associations with a focus on sustainability. Whether through mentoring, workshops, or networking events, we have given students the tools they need to take effective action.

Our concrete measures

We supported students throughout their involvement with our semester-long coaching and mentoring programs. These initiatives enabled them to draw on the support of experts to develop a project or overcome challenges within student organizations.

We have organized a series of interactive workshops, both online and in person, on key topics such as:

Sustainable project management
Nonviolent communication
Fundraising for environmental and social initiatives
Design thinking
Building a strong community
Storytelling
And much more…

These workshops have enabled participants to acquire practical skills that can be applied immediately.

Through our social media channels, website, and newsletter, we regularly inform students about the latest professional and volunteer opportunities related to sustainability.

We also bring together students from different universities and disciplines through our networking events, fostering enriching exchanges and interdisciplinary collaborations.

Our events and programs are designed to stimulate creativity, motivation, and knowledge among engaged students. By connecting passionate young people with professionals and institutions, we facilitate the emergence of concrete and sustainable projects.

Knowledge Hub

Explore our selection of recorded workshops in English, French, or German, offering valuable insights into various topics related to sustainable development.

Discover and download other resources, including guides, reports, and articles designed to help you get involved in sustainable development, thanks to materials developed by our cooperation partners.

EN- Sustainability Ideas and Projects: How to Win People Over?

A 9-part (videos) workshop given by Dr. Dr. Ann Krispenz, 2022

Discover the basic psychological factors you need to consider when convincing others to support your sustainability ideas and projects. In this workshop, you will learn how to communicate your ideas, ways to make them understood easily and to make people want to support you or become part of your team. You will also get the chance to actively try out your newly acquired knowledge and apply it to your own sustainability ideas and projects. Worksheet to use with the videos

FR- Projets durables; du rêve à la réalité inspiré la méthode du Dragon Dreaming Workshop du 13.10.2023 donné par Déborah Schafhirt à la HES-SO.

Dragon Dreaming est une méthodologie de gestion de projets inspirante, ludique et pragmatique, qui a pour objectif de faciliter la transformation des rêves en réalité collective.

Durant cette session d’introduction inspirée de la méthode, tu découvriras une nouvelle manière de travailler en équipe ainsi que plusieurs outils qui te permettront de réaliser de nombreux projets!