Bridging science and society: International Congress sparks new vision for Relational Sustainability

From October 18 to 20, the International Congress on Relational Sustainability, promoted by EcoOne, brought together over 250 participants in Castel Gandolfo (Rome) and Cordoba (Argentina). Scholars, professionals, and engaged citizens explored how the natural and human sciences can converge to create a new cultural synthesis capable of integrating all perspectives of contemporary knowledge and culture. This innovative congress saw the meeting of disciplines and international perspectives, laying the groundwork for a more interconnected approach to sustainability.

Congress in Numbers

📈 Participation Summary

• 250+ Certificates of Participation: A tangible sign of shared commitment
• 57 Posters and 55 Expert Presentations: Contributions from diverse fields worldwide
• 11 Transdisciplinary Workshops: Covering topics ranging from medicine and ecology to psychology and art
• 40+ Researchers from 20 Universities and Research Institutes: United to find new answers

First Steps Toward New Paradigms

A significant outcome of the congress was the 1st International Manifesto on Relational Sustainability, a collaborative declaration aimed at building a more responsible and aware future. In Castel Gandolfo, the Transdisciplinary Round Table brought together prominent figures such as climatologist Antonello Pasini, economist Luigino Bruni, philosopher Aldo Giacchetti, ecologist Stefania Papa, politician Francesco Emilio Borrelli, and physicist Luca Fiorani. In Cordoba, two additional international round tables and three streaming sessions bridged distances, harmonizing global perspectives. The cultural contribution of the Laudato Si Movement (LSM) was ensured by the presence of John Mundell, director of the Laudato Si Action Platform (LSAP), Alonso De Llanes (MLS Program Manager), and Lucia Sorrentino (MLS Coordinator of Member Organizations).

This congress was made possible by the dedication of each participant and the support of the AFR.E.S.H Project and Mundell Associates. Together, participants rethought sustainable relationships between humanity and the environment, cultivating new ways to interconnect, communicate, and build a sustainable future. Sustainability begins with relationships: it involves creating meaningful connections with the world around us.

For more information, you can write to the congress staff at the following emails: relationalsustainability@gmail.com (English or Italian) or congsostenibilidadrelacional@gmail.com (Spanish or Portuguese). You can also consult the congress webpage on the New Humanity website, where the proceedings of the congress will be published by the internationally indexed journal “O Mundo da Saúde,” in the environmental health section.