Visiting Scholars Lecture Series
The SDGs@UofT and Institute for Environment, Conservation, and Sustainability (IECS) joint Visiting Scholars Program is pleased to announce the 2026 Visiting Scholars.
The Visiting Scholars Lecture Series showcases public lectures delivered by international researchers participating in the SDGs‑IECS Visiting Scholars Program at the University of Toronto.
These lectures contribute to interdisciplinary dialogue on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and generate knowledge outputs that support learning, collaboration, and impact beyond the university.
Paolo Livieri, Research Fellow, University of Messina, Italy
Lecture Title: Vacating the Self: Reflections on Human Vocation in the Face of a Crisis
Date: April 9, 2026
Time: 2:00 – 3:00 PM
Overview:
This lecture explored the human being as a vocation‑bearing agent, drawing on philosophical traditions to examine how creativity and purpose relate to broader ecological and societal crises. Paolo Livieri highlighted the limitations of purely practical responses and emphasized the importance of theoretical reflection in addressing sustainability challenges.
Mark Kelly, Head of ATU Centre for Sustainability, Ireland
Lecture Title: Ireland’s Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) Journey: Embracing a Holistic and Transformative Approach
Date: April 16, 2026
Time: 1:00 – 2:00 PM
Overview:
Mark Kelly’s lecture examined Ireland’s national approach to Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), focusing on a holistic 6Cs Framework: Curriculum, Campus, Community, Collaborative Research, Culture, and Care. The session highlighted how higher education institutions can embed sustainability through integrated and transformative practices.
John Szabo, Research Fellow, Institute of World Economics at the Centre for Economic and Regional Studies, Hungary
Lecture Title: The EU’s Renewable Energy ‘Permitting Turn’ - Prompted by Climate Action, Driven by Geopolitics
Date: May 21, 2026
Time: 1:00 – 2:00 PM
Overview:
John's lecture examined how the European Union has shifted toward reducing regulatory barriers to expand renewable energy deployment. While early efforts were driven mainly by climate goals, recent geopolitical events, such as Russia’s war on Ukraine, have accelerated this push by highlighting the need for energy security and independence.