JCU Delegation Attends European Institute of Innovation for Sustainability (EIIS) Summit
A group of John Cabot University students, alumni, and professors attended and volunteered at the prestigious European Institute of Innovation for Sustainability (EIIS) summit, held in Rome on May 10-11, 2024. The event brought together leading international figures in sustainability and innovation from companies, NGO’s and international organizations ranging from Ferrero, YouTube, and Barilla to The Rain Forest Alliance, the World Wildlife Fund and Save the Children, and ending with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the European Investment Bank (EIB), the World Food Programme (WFP), and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
Tiberia Di Maggio, a JCU recent graduate, described the transformative experience of volunteering at the event: “I witnessed firsthand how belief and dedication are the foundation of success. Everyone involved at EIIS is driven by a shared commitment to make a difference, not just in words but through concrete actions.”
The summit kicked off on May 10 with a “Fireside Chat” between Alvaro Lario, President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and Andrea Geremicca, Director General of EIIS. The first day featured sessions on Partnerships, Education, Finance, Innovation, and Sports. Multiple stands and activities (from a concert to a tour of the venue, Palazzo Taverna) simultaneously unfolded in the adjacent rooms.
The May 11 program began with an inspiring talk by Daniel Katz, Founder and President of the Board of the Rainforest Alliance, followed by sessions on Business and Human Rights, Responsible Communication, and Partnership for Impact.
Members of the JCU community who attended the event included: Professors Michèle Favorite and Tanja Lanza, and students Sofija Kaluderovic, Wishmi Wickramanayaka, Gaia Cucchi, Carola Quarantini, Chiara Canepone, Emma Saul, Vito Risucci, Ester Privitera. Alumni Jonathan and Tiberia Di Maggio, Giorgia Nigri, Giacomo Di Capua, Chiara Del Prete, and Luna Bellitto also attended.
The active participation of John Cabot University students, alumni, and faculty at the EIIS summit is a testimony of the wealth of sustainability initiatives made available to the JCU community. To find out more, visit our Sustainability Page.
(Davide Ebraheem)
