UNESCO Chairs Network at the 2026 Festival of Sustainable Development

The Network of Italian UNESCO Chairs (ReCUI) takes part in the Festival of Sustainable Development 2026 with a distributed programme of events across Italy. The initiative connects academic expertise and local stakeholders to promote sustainable practices and safeguard UNESCO-recognised cultural and natural heritage in Italy.

When: from 6 to 27 May 2026

Activities by the Chairs range from applied research to public engagement, addressing priority themes for UNESCO sites and the communities that protect them. The programme highlights the universities' role in developing more responsible and inclusive development models.

• Culture and heritage: actions focused on conservation and sustainable enjoyment of UNESCO sites.
• Energy: workshops and projects on energy efficiency and renewables tailored to historic and landscape contexts.
• Health and inclusion: initiatives linking community wellbeing to the protection of cultural assets.
• Territory protection: research and practices for sustainable management of landscapes and sites of outstanding value.

The programme unfolds in numerous Italian locations, creating a networked itinerary that showcases research, skills and territories. The festival catalogue and calendar are available online for those who want to explore the full programme.

Attending the events offers a concrete overview of how UNESCO heritage and sustainable development intersect, and how universities and local communities collaborate to safeguard Italy's world-class sites.