The TR2 session for UnaVEX moderators focused on equipping participants with the mindset, tools, and skills needed to moderate a Sustainability Action Task within a virtual exchange context. Through expert inputs, interactive exercises, and reflective dialogue, the session explored how to foster safe, inclusive, and constructive spaces for sustainability-related collaboration.There were 42 participants attending this session.
The session opened with a presentation by Lee-Ann Modley, University of Johannesburg highlighting the importance of sustainability actions in educational and societal contexts. Her introduction set the stage for understanding sustainability not only as a set of goals but as an active, participatory process. Julia Karhumaa, from the University of Helsinki, provided a 10‑minute walkthrough of the Sustainability Action Task framework and the digital collaboration space on Miro. She explained how the board supports brainstorming, structuring ideas, and documenting group progress. Participants were guided through the key components they would later use during their own moderation activities.
The moderators explored an interactive icebreaker, designed to build trust and encourage open communication among participants. After that participants reflected on their hopes and concerns and examined the “circle of influence” as a tool to design a sustainability action task. The exercise was supported by Laure Van Hoecke from KU Leuven.
Two moderators from the previous Virtual Exchange (VE2) of the University of Johannesburg shared their testimonials. They discussed their experiences, challenges, and lessons learned while moderating sustainability tasks. Their insights provided practical guidance and reassurance for new moderators preparing to take on similar roles.
The training series continues with one upcoming Moderators’ Get-Together Zoom meeting:
- 3rd Get-Together (2h): Monday, 2 March 2026, 15:00–17:00 (Helsinki time)
Call for Students Open Until 28 February 2026
The Call for Students for the 3rd Virtual Exchange (VE) Week is now open and will remain open until 28 February 2026. Students are warmly invited to participate and register.
📄 Call & instructions:
https://www.atm.helsinki.fi/unavex/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Student-Call-UnaVEx3.pdf
Virtual Exchange (VE) Week Schedule
The 3rd VE Week will take place on the following dates (all times Eastern Europe Time EET (UTC+2) time):
- 05 March: 1st VE day, 15:00–18:00 EET (UTC+2)
- 12 March: 2nd VE day, 15:00–18:00 EET (UTC+2)
- 19 March: 3rd VE day, 15:00–18:00 EET (UTC+2)
- 24 March: 4th VE day, 15:00–18:00 EET (UTC+2)
- 26 March: 5th VE day, 15:00–18:00 EET (UTC+2)
Moderator Programme Overview
The Moderators Call was open from 15 December 2025 to 4 February 2026, with a total of 250 pre-registered moderators.
Moderators’ Get-Together Zoom Meetings
- 1st Get-Together (2h): Monday, 9 February 2026, 15:00–17:00 EET (UTC+2)
- 2nd Get-Together (2h): Wednesday, 11 February 2026, 15:00–17:00 EET (UTC+2)
- 3rd Get-Together (2h): Monday, 2 March 2026, 15:00–17:00 EET (UTC+2)
Moderators Training Programme
TR1 – 9 February 2026: Introduction to UnaVEx (15:00–17:00 EET (UTC+2))
Topics included UnaVEx vision and concept, soft skills and groupwork, the Digicampus learning platform, moderator experiences, micro-credentials in sustainability, and preparation for the next session.
TR2 – 11 February 2026: Moderate a Sustainability Action Task (15:00–17:00 EET (UTC+2))
Focus on sustainability actions, use of Miro boards, creating safe spaces for dialogue, icebreaker exercises, testimonials from VE2 moderators, and preparation for session 3.
TR3 – 2 March 2026: Orientation to the Virtual Exchange (15:00–17:00 EET (UTC+2))
Orientation will cover Zoom and Miro practicalities, soft skills in educational settings, action task discussions, testimonials, group checkpoints, and a comprehensive Q&A session.