A Sustainable World Congress
Sustainability for events demands both consideration of, and action towards, preserving our natural environment; promoting a healthy, inclusive society; and supporting a thriving economy. Universidad Externado expresses its commitment with the Principles for Sustainable Events, which address all 17 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. As Organiser, the University and our suppliers will share responsibility for implementing and communicating sustainable practices to all stakeholders.
During the Congress, some sustainability strategies will be combined with the social responsibility of the Event. We plan to forge alliances with NGOs related to environmental protection. During the Congress, environmental conservation will be promoted and encouraged through short videos from our partner organizations to raise awareness of environmental protection. The use of plastic bottles will also be restricted, and the long-standing, green protocols that the University promotes, such as the non-use of paper and the use of recyclable material will be maintained.
The University also plans to plant trees to offset the carbon dioxide generated by the air travel necessary for guests to attend the Congress, and to make a small contribution for the conservation of the Paramos and the green areas around the University, such as the Verjón area. An alliance will be made with the communities, residents, and artisans of the area for tourism plans and the promotion and sale of their products, especially with the Barrio Egipto Project, where the library for children of this neighbourhood of low-income people will be promoted.
Within the municipality of Choachí – close to the University – alliances will be sought with farmers to provide the use and sale of their homegrown products, many of them organic. The elements that are provided for the registrants – bags, agendas, etc – will be made with recyclable material. For the transportation of guests between hotels and the Congress, environmentally friendly vehicles will be sought, which will be, if possible, electric vehicles.