What must change for academia to become a more inclusive space that centres lived experiences and supports diverse student pathways in and beyond university?

This was the guiding question that shaped our informal roundtable “Pathways to Inclusion: Expanding Access and Impact in Sustainable Academia”, that took place on the 19th of March.  

The roundtable offered participants the opportunity to raise questions about the opportunities, services, and facilities available at WU. Together, participants explored what was changing at WU, what support structures already existed, and what further action was needed to ensure just and equitable access and well-being for all students.

Looking beyond academia, participants shared experiences related to sustainability work, activism, and engagement outside the university. They discussed how their involvement in initiatives, organizations, and community actions connected to their academic lives and broader social and environmental commitments. Through this exchange, participants reflected on ways students can expand their impact across both institutional and societal boundaries.

Facilitator: Audacia Ngunza, STaR Competence Center Assistant and Doctoral Researcher 

Organizers: STaR Competence Center with support from WU SEEP students: Imani Faber and Filipa Reis

Sustainable Development Goals addressed:

• SDG 4 – Quality Education

• SDG 5 – Gender Equality

• SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities

• SDG 13 – Climate Action