The 4th online exchange session of UnaVEx (VE3) brought together 127 participants from Africa and Europe for an exploration of how sustainability and culture intersect, influence one another, and shape our understanding of the future. The keynote of Francesco Spampinato (University of Bologna) focused on the interplay between future-oriented thinking, farming, fiction, and facts, highlighting how these elements shape cultural narratives and artistic practices.
Artistic Perspectives on Sustainability
Several artistic projects and collectives were presented, each addressing different dimensions of sustainability. These initiatives emphasized:
- The cultural and social aspects of ecological challenges
- The role of artists as sensitive observers of their surroundings
- The use of irony, playfulness, and imagination to engage with the future
- A focus on the future but also on the past and present, showing how sustainability is deeply rooted in historical and contemporary contexts
Participants reflected on how art can move beyond aesthetics to become a mirror of society, revealing tensions, hopes, and contradictions.
Culture, Narratives, and Technology
A central theme was the complex relationship between culture, narratives, and politics. The session raised questions about:
- How stories shape our understanding of sustainability
- The growing influence of AI in producing images and narratives
- The increasingly difficult distinction between fact and fiction in digital environments
This led to a broader conversation about the importance of critical thinking. Participants emphasized the need to learn how to be sceptical of images and online tools, especially as technology becomes more sophisticated and persuasive.
A Holistic View: Gaea and Interconnectedness
The concept of Gaea emerged as a powerful metaphor: the idea that everything is part of one interconnected ecosystem. This perspective encouraged participants to see sustainability not as a set of isolated issues but as a web of relationships linking humans, culture, technology, and the natural world.
Inspired by this insightful keynote, the participants set to work in their breakout groups to further develop and refine their sustainability action task.
Upcoming Virtual Exchange Sessions
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.