The One-Day International Conference on Psychology of Sustainability and Sustainable Development: Preparing the Ground Beyond the Agenda 2030 for a Sustainable Sustainability was held in a hybrid mode on June 3rd, 2025 at the Aula Magna of the University of Florence Rectorate. It was an abundant occasion to present ground-breaking projects, such as the ManuREfinery Project, which intend to promote a more circular, green, and socially responsible future.
The conference was arranged by the Department of Education, Languages, Interculture, Literature and Psychology (FORLILPSI) (Psychology Section) of the University of Florence in cooperation with Division 1: Work and Organizational Psychology of the International Association of Applied Psychology (IAAP). Moreover, the event was sponsored by UNESCO Chair “Lifelong Guidance and Counseling” (coordinated by the University of Wroclaw, Poland), UniTwin Network “Life Designing Interventions (counseling, guidance, education) for decent work and sustainable development” and Italian Association of Psychology (AIP).
The University of Florence is a major partner in the project ManuREfinery that aims to turn agricultural waste, especially livestock manure, into resources – reinforcing agricultural activity and providing economic incentive in rural areas. This collaboration was well showcased at the conference, and the role of the University in creating such multidisciplinary, innovative solutions to a more circular and environmentally friendly future of agriculture was also highlighted.
The occasion served as an exceptional platform to unite all stakeholders in the academia, industry, policy and civil society to share their knowledge and rejoice the advancements in the vital area. Among the speakers was also Prof. Marc Rosen, Full Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada, who discussed the role of psychology in the development of innovative solutions and emphasized the role of events such as ManuREfinery in developing a sustainable future.
Prof. Marc Rosen underscored the timeliness and urgency of the conference, noting that we are approaching the deadline for the UN Sustainable Development Goals (2015-30), and many goals will remain unmet by 2030. The conference, supported by the ManuREfinery project and the IAAP “Promoting Decent Work for All” special project, provided a valuable platform to reflect on what comes next and how psychology can help illuminate paths forward.
The conference was free of charge and opened to the public, reflecting a strong communal commitment to developing a more sustainable future for all. The University of Florence and its collaborators were pleased to foster this exchange of perspectives and expertise, strengthening their role in the ongoing transformation toward a circular, green, and socially responsible society.
