University of Rijeka Hosts Successful “ECOUNITY DAYS” to Advance Green Development
RIJEKA, CROATIA – On January 29, 2026, the Faculty of Economics and Business (EFRI) at the University of Rijeka successfully hosted “ECOUNITY DAYS,” a high-profile multiplier event dedicated to fostering ecological awareness and strengthening the bond between academia and local stakeholders. The event, conducted in a hybrid format, brought together a total of 63 participants. The audience was diverse, featuring 16 university students, 32 lecturers and academics, 12 representatives from non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and 3 local authority representatives.
The programme was hosted by Ornella Jadreškić and opened with welcoming remarks from the project leader, Prof. Bojana Olgić Draženović, PhD. She highlighted the successful implementation of the ECOUNITY project and expressed satisfaction with the strong turnout from both academic colleagues and civil society representatives.
The central part of the day focused on the project’s core research findings regarding Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the green economy, and environmental protection. A key highlight was a presentation on “sustainable added value in education,” which positioned higher education as a vital link between social and adaptive capital. Participants identified new research directions and future projects, such as developing sustainable campuses and smart urban practices, ensuring that the project’s modules continue to deliver practical value to the Rijeka region.
Furthering the focus on local action, Ms Diana Kovačić from the Žmergo association presented models for youth engagement in environmental conservation. Her session covered practical topics such as reuse, sustainable business practices, and the growing issue of e-waste, providing concrete examples of how students can participate in local community actions.
The “Mini Idea Lab”In a highly interactive segment, students, researchers, and NGO representatives collaborated in a “mini idea lab” format. Participants worked in small groups to map local environmental challenges—such as plastic waste, biodiversity loss, and the need for urban green spaces—and proposed feasible, student-led solutions and communication campaigns. The event concluded with a session on networking, where it was emphasised that ECOUNITY has established a long-term platform for cooperation.
By bridging the gap between theoretical research and field-based activity, ECOUNITY DAYS in Croatia has empowered a new generation of “agents of change” to lead the transition toward a more sustainable society.
