The Student Eco-Fair: a step towards a sustainable future
A student eco-fair entitled ‘The Earth – Our Shared Project’ was recently held to mark Earth Day. The event was organised by students from the Department of International Relations and Diplomacy of B. Havrylyshyn Institute of International Relations, who are enrolled in the International Relations programme. The event took place as part of the activities of the ‘International Studio for Sustainable Development’ teaching laboratory (coordinator – Associate Professor of the Department of International Relations and Diplomacy, Nataliia Karpyshyn).
The fair was opened by Viktor Ostroverkhov, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs and Research at WUNU, who welcomed the participants and emphasised the importance of environmental initiatives in today’s educational landscape. Uliana Koruts, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs and Research at WUNU, also addressed the students, expressing her support for the student initiative and highlighting its significance for the development of the university community. Lyudmyla Havrylyuk-Yensen, Director of the B. Havrylyshyn Institute of International Relations, also delivered a welcoming address, emphasising the responsibility for preserving the environment and the future of the planet.
On Earth Day, which is celebrated annually on 22 April, the eco-fair transformed the hall of WUNU's main building into a vibrant space dedicated to conscious choices and ideas for a sustainable future. The event programme featured a wide variety of interactive stands, creative activities and practical initiatives aimed at promoting a more sustainable lifestyle.
Visitors had the opportunity to explore themed zones, including: ‘Healthy Food’, ‘Harmony of Nature: Chinese Tea Ceremony’, ‘Nature’s Remedies (Herbal Teas)’, ‘Eco-Meditation’, ‘Daily Eco-Care’, ‘Eco-Tattoo’, ‘Eco-diagnosis: how “green” are you?’, “Eco-lottery: luck that makes the world greener!”, “Hand in a battery – get a sweet!”, “A second life for notebooks – origami!”, “Restored beauty”, “Coffee without harming the planet – cheaper with your own cup!”
Initiatives to collect used batteries and promote the use of reusable tableware attracted particular interest. These simple yet effective measures demonstrated how everyday habits can significantly reduce our environmental impact.
The eco-fair served not only as an informative event but also as a practical platform for fostering an eco-friendly culture among young people, demonstrating that the academic community can effectively combine education, civic engagement and the values of sustainable development, translating them into concrete actions and tangible change.
