Cross sectoral dialogue about SDGs

Università IULM initiates and participates in cross-sectoral dialogue about the SDGs, bringing together government representatives, international organisations, businesses, NGOs, and civil society through structured forums, conferences, and collaborative projects.
This mission is embedded in the Strategic Plan 2025–2027, which identifies “Dialogue and Partnerships for the Common Good” as a strategic pillar of the University’s contribution to the UN 2030 Agenda.

Global and international dialogue

At the international level, IULM contributed to global policy discussions at COP28 (Dubai), participating in the Italian Pavilion hosted by the Ministry for the Environment and Energy Security.
Professor Stefania Romenti, Rector’s Delegate for Sustainability, presented Strategic Communication for Climate Action, engaging policymakers, journalists, and private-sector leaders on youth participation and intergenerational collaboration in climate governance.

IULM also co-organised the international congress “Exploring Eco-Consciousness” at EXPO 2023 Doha, led by the University’s research centres CIMASC and the Brain & Behavior Lab.
The event convened international academics, policymakers, and practitioners to explore behavioural science and communication strategies for environmental sustainability, producing policy-oriented recommendations disseminated to regional institutions.

Additionally, IULM hosted the Roundtables on Arabic Language Education in Italy (September 2024), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Merit and Qatar Foundation International.
The initiative fostered dialogue between governments, educators, and cultural institutions to design policy pathways for linguistic inclusion and intercultural understanding, advancing SDGs 4, 10, and 17.

National dialogue and multi-stakeholder engagement

At the national level, IULM serves as a platform for dialogue on sustainability, communication, and innovation, convening policymakers, business leaders, NGOs, and academia.
In 2024, the University hosted the Settimana della Sostenibilità IULM, a week-long programme of open lectures and roundtables addressing responsible business, sustainable tourism, and environmental transition.
IULM also hosted the ESG Panel 2024 and the Professioni della Sostenibilità Conference, which gathered speakers from ministries, municipalities, corporations, and non-profits to discuss emerging green professions and ethical communication.

These forums reinforced IULM’s position as a national hub for sustainability dialogue, generating actionable insights on workforce transformation, corporate ESG integration, and sustainable territorial development.

Regional and local dialogue

At the regional level, IULM co-designed public communication campaigns on sustainable urban lifestyles during the Milano Green Week 2024, in partnership with the Municipality of Milan and the NGO PlasticFree.
The initiative combined citizen engagement, environmental education, and volunteerism through a large-scale cleanup event that mobilised students, staff, and residents to remove plastic waste — fostering a culture of civic responsibility and ecological awareness.

IULM also organised IULM for the City 2024, a series of free public lectures and cultural events connecting academics, citizens, and local institutions.
Topics included creativity, sustainability, gender equality, and social inclusion, promoting community dialogue and cultural participation.

Through its multi-level engagement — international (COP28, EXPO Doha), national (ESG Panel, Settimana della Sostenibilità), and local (Milano Green Week, IULM for the City) — Università IULM has established a permanent, inclusive platform for SDG dialogue.
By integrating research, communication, and policy discussion, the University enhances collective learning, civic participation, and evidence-based sustainability governance, reinforcing Italy’s contribution to the SDGs and the values of SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.