Last month, the GET partner Diamorfosis was among the organizers of the 3rd International Scientific Conference “The 17 Sustainable Development Goals in Education – Shaping Active Citizens for Sustainability, Innovation, Equality, and Justice in a Changing World”. The event was held at the University of Western Macedonia in Kastoria (3-5 October 2025) and brought together academics, educators, and citizens from Greece, Cyprus, and across Europe.
The conference opened with a warm and inspiring video message from the Minister of Education, Ms. Sofia Zacharaki, followed by welcoming remarks from the Rector of the University of Western Macedonia, the Mayor of Kastoria, the Vice-Rector of the International Hellenic University, and representatives of academic and local government bodies who co-organized the event.
The conference resulted from a productive collaboration among universities, educational institutions, local authorities, and civil society organizations. It was made possible thanks to the cooperation of six postgraduate programs and two undergraduate departments from the International Hellenic University, the University of Western Macedonia, the Ionian University, the University of Ioannina, the University of Thessaly, and the University of Cyprus, and the kind cooperation of four Regional Directorates of Primary and Secondary Education (Western Macedonia, Epirus, Ionian Islands, and Central Greece), the Environmental Education Centre (K.E.P.E.A.) of Kastoria, and the Municipality of Kastoria.
For three days, the conference served as a hub for dialogue and exchange, bringing together educators, researchers, academics, professionals, and active citizens from Greece and abroad. As a member of the Scientific Committee aptly noted:
The conference demonstrated in practice the power of partnership and the pivotal role of education as a driving force for sustainability and social change.
Participation was remarkable: 409 authors and keynote speakers from 13 countries (Greece, Cyprus, Austria, Belgium, Germany, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Norway, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, and Romania) presented 183 scientific papers, five keynote speeches, one roundtable discussion, and four educational workshops.
The conference highlighted that education is a cornerstone for achieving the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Presentations and discussions emphasized the importance of a holistic approach to sustainability in the school environment, strengthening the connection between knowledge, action, and social responsibility. As one speaker emphasized: “Sustainability is not merely an educational objective. It is a way of life cultivated through learning, collaboration, and innovation”.
The sessions of the conference were broadcast live online, attracting more than 2.200 views, while over 250 participants attended in person in Kastoria. The technical and communication support of the event was successfully managed by a highly creative and efficient team of undergraduate and postgraduate students from the Departments of Informatics and Digital Media & Communication of the University of Western Macedonia, who ensured seamless organization and assistance to all participants.
The conference videos will soon be available on the YouTube channel of our partner Diamorfosis IOSD.
Following the successful editions of 2023 and 2024, this year’s conference reaffirmed its role as a key institution for Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), promoting innovative practices, research initiatives, and pedagogical approaches that inspire change at both local and international levels.
The Organizing and Scientific Committees expressed their heartfelt gratitude to all those who contributed to the event’s success, emphasizing their shared belief that education remains the most powerful tool for shaping a sustainable and just future for all.
Through the GET project initiatives, we place Global Citizenship Education at the heart of European educational conversation. Stay connected by following us on social media, and explore our dedicated website section to access and download GET resources.
