The Day 3 virtual exchange session of the third UnaVEx iteration for students was held on 19 March 2025, bringing together a total of 167 participants in an engaging online exchange.
The session featured a guest lecture titled “Catalysing Change Across Continents: How Global Sustainability Advocates Drive an Ecological Circular Economy” by Solomon Derese, Professor of Organic Chemistry at University of Nairobi. Prof. Derese also serves as Executive Secretary of the Pan African Chemistry Network and previously worked as Program Officer for the Natural Products Research Network for Eastern and Central Africa from 2009 to 2014. His research focuses on organic synthesis for pharmaceutical applications—particularly targeting tropical diseases such as malaria—as well as natural products research.
In his keynote address, Prof. Derese highlighted the importance of green chemistry and the principles of a circular economy. He also emphasized how students can continue to promote sustainable practices as Global Sustainability Advocates beyond the UnaVEx virtual exchange.
The session concluded with a lively discussion facilitated by Justus Munyoki.
Prof. Derese closed his talk with an inspiring story originally shared by Wangari Maathai, emphasizing that every individual contribution counts in building a more sustainable world.
Watch the video: “I Will Be a Hummingbird”
Upcoming Virtual Exchange Sessions
Thursday, 19 March 2026 — Day 3
Host: University of Nairobi
Technical Host: Mikko Kulmala
14:45 – Hosts ready
15:00 – Welcome words – University of Nairobi
15:15 – Guest speech: Solomon Derese (introduced by the University of Nairobi)
16:00 – Instructions for group activity and breakout rooms – Julia Karhumaa & Mikko Kulmala
(Presented by Anouk in Julia’s absence)
16:05 – Sustainability Action Task in small groups
18:00 – End of Day 3
Tuesday, 24 March 2026 — Day 4
Host: University of Bologna
Technical Host: Mikko Kulmala
14:45 – Hosts ready
15:00 – Welcome words – University of Bologna
15:15 – Guest speech: Francesco Spampinato (introduced by the University of Bologna)
16:00 – Instructions for group activity and breakout rooms – Julia Karhumaa & Mikko Kulmala
(Presented by Anouk in Julia’s absence)
16:05 – Sustainability Action Task in small groups
18:00 – End of Day 4
Thursday, 26 March 2026 — Day 5 (Final Day)
Host: Laura Riuttanen
Technical Host: Mikko Kulmala
14:45 – Hosts ready
15:00 – Welcome words – Laura Riuttanen
15:05 – Guest speech: Tarja Halonen (introduced by Laura Riuttanen)
15:35 – Instructions for group activity and breakout rooms – Julia Karhumaa & Mikko Kulmala
(Presented by Anouk in Julia’s absence)
15:40 – Finalizing the Sustainability Action Miro boards in small groups
16:20 – Presentation of Sustainability Action Miro boards in the joint session
17:50 – Credits and closing remarks – Aleksi Vauhkonen
17:55 – Student and moderator final feedback forms – Julia Karhumaa
18:00 – End of the final day
The Virtual Exchange Week continues to provide an international platform for students, researchers, and experts to discuss sustainability challenges and collaborate on practical solutions.