Hosted by the University of Galway, the 7th Association of Geographical Societies in Europe Congress, EUGEO’s theme was ‘Reimagining Europe’s Future Society and Landscapes’, reflecting the centrality of the concepts of society and landscape within the Discipline of Geography.
Recognised for its outstanding sustainability practices, the international event, which was organised by geographers specialising in sustainability, displayed a commitment to the underlying principles of environmental, social, and economic sustainability.
The conference organisers demonstrated thought leadership by engaging in responsible consumption and actively encouraged the delegates to follow suit. There was strong collaboration with University of Galway, Keynote PCO and other relevant suppliers to achieve an ethical supply chain. The conference programme focused on the United Nations SDGs by including a social programme that involved biodiversity field trips to The Burren, screening of environmental films and inclusive social events for early career delegates.
Key Outcomes
The Association of Geographical Societies in Europe Congress organisers worked to minimise the environmental impact of the event. Below are some of the key highlights and outcomes:
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Implemented a thorough conference environmental policy, engaging local suppliers.
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Integration of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the introduction of a Sustainable Event Policy Checklist now a standard for all University of Galway events.
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Throughout the conference sessions and keynote speeches, the SDGs were addressed focusing on Goal #1 poverty, Goal #11.1 affordable housing, and Goal #13 climate action.
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Sustainability initiatives were also incorporated in activities including, biodiversity walks, local music, sustainability themed field trips, and environmental film screenings.
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'PaperSmart’ policy and vegetarian menu.
- The venue, the Human Anatomy building at University of Galway, showcased state-of-the art facilities with energy optimisation measures.
Awards
Conference ambassadors Professor Frances Fahy and Dr Kathy Reilly won the prestigious Sustainability spotlight award from Fáilte Ireland’s Conference Ambassador Recognition Awards 2023.
Sustainability was one of our core values within the EUGEO Conference in 2019 with sound ethics and good gender representation. We are proud that we offered an event that provided societal and economic benefits to the locality and region. Many lessons learned have been fed into subsequent conferences, such as the International Geographical Congress 2024, including the appointment of a dedicated sustainability officer.
- Professor Frances Fahy, University of Galway
The 7th EUGEO Conference was aligned with many UN Sustainable Development Goals including
