FernUniversität in Hagen impresses at the FISU World Conference 2025!

FernUniversität in Hagen impresses at the FISU World Conference 2025!

The will be presented on July 23, 2025 FernUniversität in Hagen at the FISU World Conference 2025, which takes place parallel to the FISU World University Games. This significant event attracts 8,500 student-athletes from 150 countries. Current challenges and solutions in higher education will be discussed under the motto “Competing for Change”. Frank Wistuba and Silke Newig represent the university and show how sustainability can be integrated into teaching and studying.

A central highlight of the FernUni is the innovative Pollinator Park, an interactive VR application. This application addresses the alarming decline of pollinating insects. Through VR technology, visitors have the opportunity to experience a vision of the future of 2050 in which these important insects have almost disappeared. The goal of this immersive experience is to promote critical reflection and empathy and to raise awareness of environmental issues.

Digital education for sustainable development

The use of technologies such as augmented and virtual reality has become increasingly important in recent years, particularly in the field of education for sustainable development (ESD). Studies show that these technologies offer new possibilities for immersive and interactive learning formats. They promote the understanding of actions and the transfer of knowledge among learners, which is essential in today's world.

The “bne:digital.nrw” project, which is funded by the Ministry of Culture and Science of North Rhine-Westphalia, aims to integrate sustainability-oriented thinking and action into higher education. This also includes topics such as digitalization, inclusion and open educational resources (OER). The FernUni is planning further training for teachers and the development of specific educational materials as well as sustainability walks.

Education as the key to future viability

The responsibility that universities bear in research, teaching and operations was emphasized by Wistuba in his speech at the conference. Education for sustainable development is increasingly seen as the key to future viability. This view is also supported by the UNESCO that imparts knowledge and values ​​to promote equitable development, peace and sustainable ecosystems. ESD is based on sustainability premises and covers a range of topics such as consumption, energy and social participation.

Since Agenda 21 in 1992 and the confirmation of ESD at the Rio +10 World Summit, this educational approach has continuously developed. In 2015, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were adopted, with education identified as a key requirement for a sustainable future. ESD is seen as a holistic and transformative educational approach that aims to prepare future generations for the challenges of the world.

In total, around 400 participants from over 40 countries came to the FISU World Conference to exchange ideas about the diverse approaches to promoting sustainability in higher education. The FernUniversität in Hagen plays an important role in this process and, with its innovative concepts, shows how digital technologies can effectively contribute to solving global challenges.