The schools of Public Policy and of Earth and Sustainability will co-host the United Nations Global Sustainable Solutions Winter School 2026, a free online program running Jan. 8-29. The workshop is open to graduate students from all UMass campuses and the United Nations University.
The online synchronous course, capped at 50 students, will feature seminars every Tuesday and Thursday from 2-4:15 p.m. Interested students are encouraged to apply online. The deadline to apply is Sunday, Dec. 14.
The program offers students the chance to learn from and network with international experts in sustainability, including senior staff from the private sector, the U.N. and other global organizations.
This year’s topics include urban ecology and green infrastructure, nature-based solutions for disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation, innovative financing mechanisms for conservation and biodiversity preservation, the use of natural catastrophe models in urban resilience planning, and energy transition. Sessions will highlight both international case studies and local applications.
Marta Vicarelli, assistant professor of economics and public policy and founding director of the program, says the Winter School seeks to prepare students to confront accelerating environmental challenges.
“Since its launch in 2021, the Winter School has built a remarkable international network of scholars, practitioners and students committed to sustainable solutions,” Vicarelli says. “One of the greatest strengths of the program is the diversity of our participants. Every year, graduate students from different fields, countries and cultures learn side-by-side with leading experts. These exchanges not only broaden students’ understanding of sustainability, they also expand their professional networks, and contribute to their career development.”
Each seminar will include one or two talks from world experts, followed by class discussions held during plenary sessions and in small breakout groups. A team of student moderators will help facilitate small-group exchanges.
The Winter School is a collaboration between the five UMass campuses, the United Nations University, McMaster University and the Partnership for Environment and Disaster Risk Reduction, a global alliance of U.N. agencies, nongovernmental organizations and research institutes.
Students who regularly attend and participate will receive a certificate of completion.
“I am particularly grateful to the UMass Amherst School of Earth and Sustainability, which is committed to preparing the next generation of sustainability leaders and is, for the second year, offering generous fellowships to four UMass students who will support the organization of the Winter School,” Vicarelli adds. “To have all UMass campuses joining the initiative further reflects our system’s leadership in sustainability education and research.”
For questions about the course, email Vicarelli at [email protected].