Seminario alpino 11 - Sustainable finance

The training core of each Alpine seminar is to understand the limits of planet Earth and reflect on how sustainability should be developed as a culture capable of bringing environmental, social, and economic aspects into dialogue with an ethical perspective. It focuses on the need to address the challenges proposed in the 2030 Agenda (Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs) so that each of us can become an actor in a more sustainable society. In addition to this core, this seminar offers a thematic focus on sustainable finance. Sustainable finance is more than just an approach to investing: it is a commitment to shaping a better future. It is a critical step toward creating a world in which every investment not only generates profit, but also promotes a healthier environment, stronger communities, and more ethical governance. ESG principles (Environment, Social, and Governance) guide these choices, giving rise to initiatives such as renewable energy, green infrastructure, and socially responsible companies. Activities will include contributions from experts, field visits, guided readings, and group work, promoting an interdisciplinary and participatory approach.

 Program: 

The detailed program with planned excursions, accommodation details and guest-speakers will be available on iCorsi at the latest one week before the start of the course.

 Organization and Costs:

The Alpine seminar is free of charge for students, including accommodation at the Sustainability House, breakfast, and train ticket. Excl. costs of meals. 
We strongly encourage you to consult the FAQ page on the website where you can find all the practical information you need: https://www.casasostenibilita.usi.ch/it/seminario-alpino.

 IMPORTANT:

Once the registration period has expired, it will no longer be possible to cancel one's registration, and participation is considered mandatory. For serious reasons where withdrawal is necessary, a reasoned request in writing will be to be submitted to [email protected].

The aim of the Alpine seminars is to introduce a reflection on the main themes related to sustainable development. In particular:
 

• Understanding planetary limits and the consequences of overcoming them.
• Understanding sustainability as a culture that brings social, environmental and economic aspects into dialogue.
• Reflecting on the relationship we have with nature.
• Stimulating systemic and interdisciplinary thinking.
• Embracing complexity (difference with something complicated).
• Support a comparison between different ideas and visions.

In presence

• Introduction on sustainable development.
• Immersion in the alpine landscape for the purpose of experiencing the value of environmental resources with 1 or 2 field trips (very easy level, suitable for everyone. Any problem of reduced mobility must be reported promptly to [email protected]
• In-depth thematic discussions with USI lecturers and/or invited external experts lasting between 45-90 minutes. The meeting with experts will focus on dialogue with students (preparation of questions during the seminar).
• Group work and presentation. 

Mandatory attendance in Airolo. Presentation of a group work that will be done during the seminar. The presentation and active participation will be evaluated to determine if the course has been passed. 
In case the presentation and active participation are not deemed sufficient, additional individual written work will be required (delivery and mode will be indicated by the professor).
No grade will be assigned, but a pass ("Pass") or fail ("Resp") grade will be given.
ECTS are assigned depending on faculty decisions.

For students of the Faculty of Informatics, the Faculty of Theology of Lugano, and the Academy of Architecture, 1.5 ECTS credits are awarded.

• Airolo - Casa della sostenibilità, 09.03.26 - 11.03.26 (Compulsory)