Last Thursday, December 12, 2024, the Faculty of Economics of the University of Valencia hosted a unique event: the 1st TFM/TFG Sustainability CEIH – TÜV SÜD 2024 Awards Ceremony. This event, organized by the Chair of Business and Humanism in collaboration with the renowned company TÜV SÜD, marked a milestone in the recognition of academic talent focused on sustainability.
A space to recognize and foster talent
The event's main objective was to award the best Final Degree Projects (TFG) and Final Master's Projects (TFM) presented during the 2022/23 and 2023/24 academic years that integrated sustainability principles into their research. Through this initiative, the aim was not only to recognise the students' efforts, but also to promote commitment to a more sustainable future, encouraging collaboration between the academic, business and society worlds.
Opening and Inspiring Reflections
The day began with a welcome speech by journalist Dulce Iborra, who introduced the key figures of the event. The opening was led by Ms. Pilar Serra Añó, Vice-Chancellor for Sustainability, Cooperation and Healthy Living at the University of Valencia, who highlighted the role of the university as an ideal interdisciplinary space to address the challenges of sustainability.
Next, Guillermo Pérez Sabater and Mercedes Hinojosa, from TÜV SÜD, offered a business vision on the importance of preparing the new generations to lead sustainable change. Hinojosa stressed: “It is a privilege to celebrate and accompany you at this crucial moment in your lives. You are the generation that can reimagine the future.”
Awards and recognitions
The most anticipated moment came with the 1st TFM/TFG Sustainability Awards Ceremony, where the students' effort and creativity were recognised. Each award-winning project stood out for its innovation and commitment to sustainability, reflecting the quality and vision of future professionals.
The winners were:
● Alejandro Alejos Campo, awarded a Master's Degree in Sustainability.
● Carmen Guarner Giner, Pablo Catret Ruber and Meritxell Villalonga Adell, awarded with a Sustainability Expert Program by TÜV SÜD Academy.
Roundtable discussion: sustainability in action
Later, a round table discussion brought together experts from different sectors to reflect on the collaboration between companies, academia and society on the path towards a responsible future. Participants included: Ms. Pilar Serra Añó, who highlighted the value of interdisciplinarity at the University of Valencia, Ms. Lourdes Mora from TÜV SÜD, who addressed the role of companies in this new paradigm, Ms. Mónica Muñoz, Communications Director at Social Nest, who pointed out that everything will be wonderful “if we achieve a balance between profitability and sustainability”, and Mr. Pako Giménez, from ENCAMINA, who emphasized the role of technology in achieving sustainable objectives.
The dialogue provided a space to share experiences, raise challenges and reinforce the importance of working together towards a more balanced and fair world.
The event concluded with an emotional message from Tomás González-Cruz, who encouraged the students to put people at the centre of their actions: “There is no point in saving an ecosystem if we do not save people.”
Finally, a glass of wine allowed attendees to continue the exchange of ideas in a more relaxed atmosphere, closing a day full of learning, inspiration and recognition.
