SDG 16 – Peace, justice and strong institutions

Università IULM ensures elected representation on its highest governing bodies, promoting inclusive and participatory governance. Both the Board of Directors and the Academic Senate include elected representatives from various groups within the university, as outlined in the University Statute 

1. Board of Directors

The Board of Directors, which is the university's highest governing body and is  responsible for the strategic direction and resource management of the university, includes elected representatives from the student body (undergraduate and graduate), faculty, and non-faculty staff. The Board of Directors also include a representative from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the business world. This structure ensures that decisions are informed by the perspectives of different segments of the academic community. (Statute page 5 Art.8) 

2. Academic Senate

The Academic Senate, which is the university’s highest academic governing body and oversees academic and teaching matters, also includes elected representatives from students, faculty, and non-faculty employees. This guarantees a wide range of input into decisions that shape the university’s academic policies and initiatives. (Statute page 7 Art.13)

Through this structure, Università IULM promotes transparency and ensures that all key constituencies within the university are involved in governance, fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment.

Università IULM recognizes an independent student body through the establishment of the Student Council. This council serves as a consultative and representative body, providing students with an active role in the university's governance. It ensures a broad representation of student ideas and perspectives, allowing for meaningful student participation in decision-making processes across various university organs, such as the Academic Senate and the Board of Directors.

The Student Council is composed of elected student representatives, including those in the Board of Directors and the Academic Senate, as well as representatives in Faculty Councils, the Evaluation Unit, and the Quality Assurance Board. The council's primary function is to advocate for student interests, promote equal opportunities, and facilitate active involvement in the university's democratic processes.

Through this structure, IULM supports and recognizes the independence of student representation, ensuring that students have a significant voice in the university's governance.

Università IULM includes in its written policies and procedures the modalities to identify local stakeholders external to the university and engage with them. The Board of Directors, which is the highest governing body of the university, specifically provides for the inclusion of two directors responsible for the identification and engagement of local stakeholders as stated in the university Statute: the first with the responsibility to guarantee “il raccordo dell’Università con la società civile e con il mondo della cultura, della comunicazione e dei media” and the second as the representative of MondoIULM, which constitutes the university’s primary body for identifying and engaging with local stakeholders external to the university.

The university Strategic Plan (page 70, section 4.3.2) specifically emphasizes that a fruitful relationship with partners outside the University is essential for it to transfer what it produces and develop methods and courses of study in line with society’s needs and expectations.

The university has in fact specific offices and programs dedicated to the engagement with strategic partners and stakeholders based on the various sectors of the potential partners, such as:

• Mondo IULM Association provides a dedicated platform for engaging with a diverse range of local corporate partners external to the university;
• Special Projects Office and Partnerships Office engage with local and international companies and organizations in order to create special opportunities, projects and initiatives for the university community;
• The Career Service and Corporate Relations Office establishes partnerships with local and international companies and organizations in order to create orientation, training and curricular internship experiences in Italy and abroad for IULM students and graduates;
• Youman Platform brings together international cooperation agreements and initiatives that Università IULM has with NGOs, multilateral bodies, associations, companies and research centres all over the world, focusing on social values as well as innovation and sustainability aspects
• The Study Abroad Office and the International Affairs & Rankings Office work together to find new partners for international mobility, research projects, events partners, etc.

Università IULM also ensures that local stakeholders in the university have a meaningful mechanism for participating in university decision making. In this respect, the official university Statute specifically outlines the composition of the Board of Directors (p.5) - one of the main decisional body of the university - as follows:

“Esso è costituito:

a) dal Rettore;

b) dal Pro-Rettore Vicario;

c) da un Preside di Facoltà, designato dal Senato Accademico tra i Presidi di Facoltà membri del Senato stesso;

d) da un Direttore di Dipartimento designato dal Senato Accademico;

e) da una personalità di chiara fama, di estrazione non accademica, capace di garantire il raccordo dell’Università con la società civile e con il mondo della cultura, della comunicazione e dei media designato dal Senato Accademico;

f) da tre rappresentanti dell'ente fondatore “Fondazione Scuola superiore per Interpreti e

Traduttori”, tra i quali almeno due non debbono far parte dei ruoli universitari dell’Ateneo;

g) da un rappresentante della carriera diplomatica designato dal Ministro degli Affari Esteri e della Cooperazione Internazionale;

h) da un rappresentante degli studenti, con diritto di voto deliberativo se eletto da un quorum di partecipanti non inferiore ad un quarto degli studenti iscritti. In caso contrario il rappresentante degli studenti avrà solo voto consultivo e concorrerà al numero legale solo se presente;

i) da un rappresentante dell’associazione MondoIULM nominato a maggioranza assoluta dai

consiglieri di cui alle precedenti lettere a), b), c), d), f) e l) su proposta dell’associazione. Non

possono essere nominati i professori e i ricercatori di ruolo, gli studenti e il personale tecnicoamministrativo dell’università IULM;

l) dal rettore in carica alla scadenza del suo mandato e per un periodo pari alla durata del mandato del nuovo rettore insediato.”

It is specifically indicated that the members of the local community are part of the Board of Directors. In particular

• e) a distinguished personality of non-academic background, capable of ensuring the University's connection with civil society and the world of culture, communication and media designated by the Academic Senate, currently represented by Dr. Daniele Manca, the Deputy editor in chief at Corriere della Sera (see the section curriculum vitae of the link);
• (g) a representative of the diplomatic career designated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, currently represented by Simon Carta.

With specific respect to refugee resettlement agencies IULM has concluded an agreement with UNHCR in the form of the Inclusive University Manifesto. This ensures that refugee groups have a meaningful mechanism for engaging with the university and commits IULM to participating in the resolution of this critically important international issue. IULM’s participation expresses the university’s dedication to young people with international protection status, promoting their active participation in academic life, acknowledging the Manifesto's general principles and committing to upholding and disseminating them within the entire IULM community.

Università IULM has a specific publication of the university's principles and commitments on organized crime, corruption & bribery: " Modello di Organizzazione, Gestione e Controllo" This document was approved and adopted as a central university regulation by IULM’s highest governing body, the Board of Directors, and establishes a clear framework for preventing and addressing corruption and bribery and all related illegal activities within the university, ensuring that all operations are conducted with integrity and transparency. By implementing this model, the university adheres to strict ethical standards and legal requirements, reinforcing its dedication to preventing all and any activities expressly relating to organized crime, corruption and bribery and fostering a responsible and secure academic environment.

Università IULM has a policy supporting academic freedom, including freedom to choose areas of research and to speak and teach publicly about the area of research, as clearly stated in its official Statute. Article 4 of the statute is, in fact, entirely dedicated to ensuring that faculty members and researchers have autonomy and the freedom to teach and conduct research. Specifically, it guarantees freedom of teaching and research within the framework of the Italian Constitution and applicable legal provisions, including those of the European Union. This commitment ensures that academic staff at IULM can freely pursue their research interests and share their knowledge without restriction.

Università IULM has a publication of university financial data. The university's financial information is accessible through the Italian Ministry for Education website. Specifically, detailed data can be found in the document intitled "Gettito della contribuzione studentesca", where information for IULM is listed under the entry for "Milano - Libera Università di Lingue e Comunicazione (IULM)" in column C. This ensures transparency and allows public access to key financial metrics concerning the university.

Università IULM provides specific expert advice to local, regional, and national governments through various initiatives, actively contributing to policy guidance and research efforts.

For instance, IULM has several partnerships with governments, such as

1. FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization), a specialized United Nations agency, where the university collaborates on programs related to food security. This partnership includes developing an e-learning platform and direct involvement of FAO in research projects and events like the International Winter School on Food Safety, Sustainable Development, and Behavioral Change.
2. Decade of the Sea Manifesto: IULM supports the United Nations activities on ocean science through the university’s adherence to the UN Decade of the Sea Manifesto, which declared 2021 - 2030 the "Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development". In this context, the Decade of Ocean Science Manifesto is the policy document to mobilise the scientific community, governments, the private sector and civil society around a common programme of research and technological innovation with the aim of promoting a radical change in the approach to the study and communication of the ocean.

Membership allows IULM to collaborate in the specific field of education through activities such as:

• Organisation of talks and summer schools on the theme of Ocean and Sustainability Literacy;
• Organisation of specific events to promote education on sustainability, the importance of the sea and the role of the oceans for the life of our planet;
• Inclusion and involvement of students in the Decade of the Sea initiatives.

Additionally, IULM plays a key role in sustainability initiatives and events dedicated to government representatives both in Campus and abroad, such as

1. "SustainIULM: Sustainability day" when the university engaged experts, students, and the community in discussions on effective communication and strategies for addressing climate change, showcasing its commitment to sustainable development.
2. IULM participated at COP28, through an event at the ​​Italian pavilion where Professor Stefania Romenti represented the university in discussions on the role of strategic communication in promoting climate action, with a particular focus on engaging youth in this global challenge.
3. IULM participated at EXPO 2023, through an event at the ​​Italian pavilion: IULM’s research centers CIMASC and Behavior and Brain Lab held a cogress on eco-consciousness and the communication of environmental challenges, demonstrating the university's ongoing involvement in advising and supporting global environmental policies.

Università IULM actively provides outreach, general education, upskilling, and capacity-building to policy- and law-makers on relevant topics, such as economics, law, technology, migration, displacement, and climate change.

Through its IULM Flow Talk platform, the university offers webinars dedicated to such stakeholders. In 2023, IULM also organized several relevant events:

1. With respect to policy and regulations related to climate change, IULM participated in a special UNESCO initiative for policy, law-makers, experts and stakeholders  to explore how digital platforms can impact climate change and sustainability efforts. This capacity building initiative on "Democracy, Sustainability, and Corporations" was held at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, with IULM participation. The dialogue focused on sustainability in digital environments, climate challenges, greenwashing, and the complexities of the ecological transition. This event was part of UNESCO’s broader conference titled "Towards Guidelines for Regulating Digital Platforms for Information as a Public Good,"

2. In the same context of climate change, IULM hosted a virtual Summer School for policy makers and global experts on the social, environmental, and economic dimensions of cocoa production and sustainability. This initiative on "Cacao: History, Society, and Sustainability" was held by the university in collaboration with the International Italo-Latin American Organization (IILA), which provides outreach and capacity building to policy makers throughout Latin America. This four-session event brought together global experts and policy makers to discuss themes such as environmental sustainability, social inclusion, and economic resilience, engaging participants in dialogue relevant to policy-making.

3. In the context of the new European Commission regulations on ESG reporting, IULM organized a special event for policymakers, companies and other stakeholders on "Beyond Greenwashing: Challenges and Opportunities in Communicating Sustainability": This Flow event addressed how companies can authentically communicate their ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) commitments, ensuring transparency and avoiding greenwashing and ensuring full compliance with the relevant EU regulations. Led by Dr. Elisa Flamini, the event provided essential tools and insights for effectively addressing these communication challenges.

4. "IULM Flow TALK 50: Sustainability and Communication": This webinar for policymakers and other relevant stakeholders, led by Dr. Giulio Magni from One Ocean Foundation, focused on the challenges of effectively communicating sustainability, with a particular emphasis on oceans and seas. Moderated by IULM Professor Stefania Romenti, the discussion explored non-financial reporting and how businesses and policymakers can improve awareness and action on environmental issues.

Additionally, IULM has organized events and programmes both in campus and abroad providing outreach and capacity building to policy and lawmakers on various aspects of climate change and sustainability, such as:

• SustainIULM: Sustainability Day, which brought together experts, policymakers, students, and the wider community to discuss climate change strategies and sustainability practices.
• IULM's participation at COP28, where Professor Stefania Romenti contributed to discussions for international stakeholders and policymakers on strategic communication for climate action, focusing on youth engagement.
• IULM's involvement at EXPO 2023, where its research centers held a congress on eco-consciousness for policymakers and other relevant stakeholders, underscoring the university's commitment to addressing environmental challenges and supporting policy development globally.

These initiatives reflect IULM's continuous effort in providing expert guidance and education to policymakers on pressing global issues.

Università IULM regularly undertakes policy-focused research in collaboration with government departments.

For instance  in 2023 IULM initiated a major collaboration with municipal administrations in Milan and Rome for "NO2 NO GRAZIE!" project. This initiative, in collaboration with "Cittadini per l’Aria," focuses on addressing air quality issues, particularly nitrogen dioxide (NO2) emissions from diesel vehicles, in both cities.

The project engages citizens in monitoring air quality around homes and schools, generating important data to inform both the public and local governments. IULM's central role in this research includes:

• Developing anthropological tools for data collection.
• Analyzing survey responses to identify key areas for participatory processes.
• Assisting in creating strategies to increase public awareness and acceptance of necessary changes to improve air quality and urban mobility.

A second example is IULM collaboration with the Municipality of Milan on the "Interculturalità & Anagrafe" project. This initiative involves a partnership between the Municipality of Milan and IULM to provide dedicated support and orientation to foreign residents through a multilingual service at the city's civil registry office. The project was developed based on research conducted by the Humanities Analytics Lab (HAL), a section of the Human Lab at IULM, which analyzed data provided by the municipality regarding foreign citizen access to registry services. The study revealed communication barriers due to language differences, leading to the creation of a tailored service offering native language support in Arabic, Spanish, and Russian. This initiative directly addresses issues of social sustainability, supporting the integration of foreign citizens into the local community by easing bureaucratic processes and improving accessibility.

Università IULM provides a neutral platform and a "safe" space for different political stakeholders (such as academia, companies, NGOs, intergovernmental organizations, government, general public) to come together and discuss challenges openly. The university is committed to fostering frank and open dialogue through various initiatives, including:

1. IULM Flow Talks: IULM’s principal platform for providing a neutral, open and safe space for different political and other stakeholders consists of a regular, structured programme of public events to frankly discuss current challenges. This series, IULM Flow Talks, comprises both in person events and webinars where leading international figures are invited to engage in discussions on current challenges and sustainability issues. These talks are open to the public, allowing participants from around the world to interact and share their insights. The format encourages overcoming cultural barriers and promotes mutual exchange of knowledge on significant global topics.

2. Further “safe” spaces and neutral platforms are provided by IULM for different political stakeholders to come together to frankly discuss and engage together on current challenges. IULM organizes a variety of events designed to facilitate dialogue among different stakeholders and the general public. Notable examples from 2023 include:

• Il senso della pace: A discussion focused on peacebuilding and conflict resolution
• The Role of Women in Promoting Sustainability: An event for different political stakeholders reviewing and discussing the contributions of women in sustainability efforts.
• SustainIULM - Sustainability Day: An event dedicated to discussing sustainability practices and initiatives.
• D&I, The Value of Diversity: A dialogue addressing diversity and inclusion in various contexts.
• Convegno Mexico-Italia. Historia de las relaciones entre México e Italia: A conference exploring the historical relations between Mexico and Italy.

These initiatives exemplify IULM's commitment to providing a supportive environment for candid discussions among political stakeholders and the broader community.