Abstract:

Effectively communicating sustainability issues is crucial, as these concerns impact everyone, regardless of their background, culture, social class, or geographic location. Given the urgency of fostering more sustainable societies, the United Nations (UN) established the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and recognized education as a key component in achieving a sustainable future. Education plays a vital role in empowering individuals to make informed decisions and act responsibly. At the Higher School of Communication and Media Studies (ESCS), it is essential not only to raise students' awareness about these topics but also to teach them how to communicate effectively. This paper presents different methods employed by the authors to achieve this common goal.

Although working with quantitative information may not be the primary strength of communication students, the ability to interpret and convey numerical data is a necessary skill in today's data-driven society. By analyzing data from the ESS Round 8, we were able to understand the attitudes of the European population regarding climate change and energy options. In addition to analyzing these data, a group of students had the opportunity to present their findings at a conference.

The power of imagery as a communication tool is undeniable. This insight led to the proposal for creating a Photographic Memory of the Campus. This project had three main objectives: engaging with reality, identifying what is well done and what can be improved, and finding the best visual way to communicate this information.

These two cases were conducted in a classroom setting, limiting the number of students who could experience them. However, how can we motivate and engage the entire academic community? One student was invited to develop a communication plan for this purpose. After forming a team, they developed several activities, including creating an Instagram account that not only showcases what is done within ESCS but also raises awareness about national and global issues. At the end of the academic year, this group of students organized a team-building event where everyone could interact and share information.

The first two cases of formal education allow for a deeper exploration and detailed discussion of the involved topics. However, the last case of non-formal education proved to be highly effective, reaching a broader audience, fostering a sense of community, and providing a relaxed environment for engagement.

Keywords:

Sustainability, Communication, Education, Formal and Non-Formal Learning.