The student organisations of the School of Economics and Management of the University of Porto (FEP), in collaboration with the institution, present the second edition of “Sustainability Week”, which will take place from 17 to 20 February.
As part of an annual initiative that engages and mobilises them, they have put together a comprehensive programme featuring experts and guests aligned with the themes of various activities – such as debates, roundtables, workshops, presentations, and more – all in line with the mission of each FEP student organisation.
The event aims to involve the entire community in constructive discussions on various topics, such as circular economy, conscious consumption, business inclusion, social inequalities, female representation, diversity, and more.
On the first day, from 11:00 to 16:30, FEP Junior Consulting, a student-run consultancy firm, and the Student Association will host a new edition of the “Flea Market”, a second-hand goods exchange and sale fair. This initiative seeks to create a space for interaction between the academic community and the general public, encouraging the circular economy and sustainable consumption.
From 16:30 to 18:00, the “After Work” roundtable, organised by FEP First Connection – whose mission is to bridge the gap between students and businesses – will take place. Four speakers from different institutions will participate in this discussion. Then, from 19:00 to 20:00, representatives from AIESEC in Porto FEP, an international platform for personal and professional development opportunities, will share their experiences and contributions towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 10, which focuses on reducing inequalities.
On 18 February, ShARE-UP, an international organisation connecting students, businesses, and NGOs to solve real-world challenges, has prepared an activity titled “Do Well Do Good: Sustainability and Social Impact”, which will take place from 14:30 to 15:30. The session will present a project in partnership with BrONCA, which gives a second life to old furniture, benefiting disadvantaged communities in Bonfim and Campanhã. Participants will have the opportunity to explore the creative and technical processes involved in restoring furniture.
Following this, from 15:30 to 16:30, the FEP International Case Team – a group of students who regularly compete in international case study competitions – will present a real-life social inequality case, challenging participants to develop innovative solutions to address this persistent societal issue.
Between 14:30 and 16:00, FEP Linking Students, which promotes the integration of international students and cultural exchange, will lead a waste-free cooking workshop, featuring a tasting session and practical daily tips for university students.
Mind Your Business, a student group dedicated to marketing, will kick off the afternoon of 19 February at 15:00 with a presentation of a practical guide titled “From Greenwashing to Green Marketing”. The session will explore the differences between misleading and genuine sustainable marketing practices, offering practical examples and real cases.
This will be followed at 16:30 by a literacy session on neurodiversity in education and the labour market, led by FEP Economics Society, a student organisation that promotes economic thought, debate, and study within the faculty. The discussion aims to dismantle stigmas associated with conditions such as autism, ADHD, and dyslexia, while addressing strategies for creating inclusive and accessible environments in schools, universities, and workplaces.
Later that day, at 18:00, a debate will take place on the role of women in politics and their representation, organised by the Non-Partisan Political Academy – a youth association that seeks to engage young people in politics – and HeForShe FEP, which works towards achieving gender equality.
The day will conclude with a Fado Night at Casa Ronald McDonald in Porto, from 19:00 to 20:00, organised by the Fado and Guitarradas Group of the Faculty of Economics of Porto (GFGFEP). As true ambassadors of this traditional Portuguese musical style, GFGFEP will bring the charm of Fado to the dinner of children and families undergoing long-term treatment in the paediatric wing of Hospital de S. João, offering a unique moment that promises to break the routine and enchant with the magic of music.
On 20 February, from 15:30 to 16:30, the Experience Upgrade Programme (EXUP) – an independent youth association that runs projects in various fields – and Startup BUZZ, an organisation that promotes youth entrepreneurship, will host a talk on diversity and inclusion, with the primary goal of raising awareness about gender equality. Through an insightful conversation, the panel of speakers will share their work in this area as well as the challenges they continue to face.
To conclude “Sustainability Week”, from 16:30 to 18:00, students and all interested attendees will have the opportunity to watch the film Hidden Figures. This initiative is organised by FINK – FEP Ideas, News and Knowledge, which includes the faculty’s newspaper Fepiano and the Film Club.
In parallel with these activities, throughout the week, the FEP Praxe Committee will be collecting food, clothing, and books, which will later be donated to the Portuguese Red Cross.
Through this initiative, FEP reinforces its commitment to the values guiding the current academic year: diversity and inclusion. Óscar Afonso, Director of FEP, emphasises that “in an increasingly connected world, the faculty believes that respect for differences and a commitment to contributing to an equitable society are essential pillars for collective success.” He also highlights that “‘Sustainability Week’ is not just about discussing pressing issues, but also about promoting concrete and practical actions that aim to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where every voice is heard and valued.”
This initiative is part of FEP’s annual programme, ‘One Community | Multiple Voices’, which celebrates and promotes Diversity and Inclusion throughout the academic year. The programme includes the CA & FEP Generation Impact Award, roundtables with the business, academic, and financial sectors, among other activities.
More information is available here.
