The 2025 yearly meeting of the South Tyrol Alliance for Research in Sustainability (STARS) brought together member institutions and a provincial representative to review ongoing and completed initiatives, define next steps and enhance coordination on joint sustainability efforts.

Among the topics discussed, one of particular relevance was the development of a public expert directory mapping sustainability expertise across South Tyrol, intended to enhance the visibility and accessibility of these competencies. Alliance members were then invited to contribute lectures to the upcoming Studium Generale course “Sustainability: Challenges and Solutions”, which will be offered at unibz in the next semester. Another meaningful advancement announced was the Alliance's integration into the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, marking an important first step in expanding the network’s reach beyond local boundaries. The meeting also addressed participation in initiatives such as the “Sustainability Festival” and the upcoming “Week of the CO₂ Footprint” and reflected a shared commitment to improving the coordination of local sustainability-related events.

Yet, the key focus of the morning was the Alliance’s role in evaluating the Climate Plan 2040 and in supporting the participatory climate process. During the discussion with the provincial representative, Alliance members highlighted the importance of clear guidelines, adequate resources, and structured planning to ensure the effectiveness of the Alliance’s engagement, planned for 2026.

The STARS yearly meeting proved to be a valuable occasion to strengthen collaboration between the Alliance institutions and the Province of Bozen-Bolzano, and to reaffirm the shared commitment to advancing sustainability in South Tyrol through coordinated efforts.

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