Alpine Seminar 14: Equal Opportunities, Inclusion and Diversity at the heart of the learning experience

From April 15 to 17, 2026, the 14th Alpine Seminar of the USI House of Sustainability took place, developed in collaboration with the Equal Opportunities Service and dedicated to the themes of equal opportunities, inclusion, and diversity. Students from the Faculties of Communication and Economics took part in a three-day immersive experience, where the alpine natural setting provided the backdrop for an in-depth journey intertwining environmental and social sustainability. Together with students, we revisited these days through an interview, presented below, which gives voice to their experience and highlights the key stages of this journey.

Following a theoretical introduction on planetary boundaries by Dr. Samuele Poletti and Dr. Giovanni Pellegri from the House of sustainability, Luca Visconti, Full Professor of Marketing at USI, contributed by guiding a reflection on the concepts of diversity, minority, and vulnerability from an intersectional perspective. On the second day, Danuscia Tschudi Von Kaenel, Senior Researcher at the SUPSI Competence Centre for Work, Welfare and Society, and Brita Kleindienst, actress and director at the Accademia Teatro Dimitri, led the workshop “Gender differences in education and work: how can we promote dialogue and address inequalities?”.

The course combined reflection on planetary limits with an in-depth analysis of the social dynamics that construct inequalities, stereotypes, and discrimination. Through an interdisciplinary approach, participants explored the concepts of diversity, minority, and vulnerability, with particular attention to the role of power recognition in shaping differences and to the concept of intersectionality, central within the framework of Critical Diversity Literacy proposed by Melissa Steyn, the theoretical reference for the entire program. Understanding the true meaning of diversity, minority, and vulnerability proved especially valuable, and the concept of intersectionality, in particular, was understood as the interplay between structural and contextual dimensions, whose combination produces more complex outcomes than any single factor considered in isolation. Those already familiar with these topics gained more concrete tools to observe inequalities in everyday life, while for those approaching these concepts for the first time, it was an important opportunity for learning and reflection.

The working methodology combined theoretical input, group work, and theatre-based exercises. The introduction to theatrical techniques, which was particularly appreciated, integrated seamlessly with the theoretical study, offering an effective and coherent learning path. This combination of cognitive, relational, and experiential tools enabled participants not only to understand the dynamics of exclusion and privilege but also to experience them on an emotional and physical level, fostering that “education of the emotions” that Steyn identifies as essential for genuine social transformation. The range of activities - from hiking to group work, from theatre to lectures - was perceived as a hybrid yet cohesive learning journey.

An exernal excursion on the first day and the residential format encouraged authentic and continuous exchange among a group of people with diverse disciplinary backgrounds and age groups, key elements of a project aimed at bringing together knowledge, experiences, and perspectives. The small group size facilitated the creation of meaningful connections, while the diversity of ages and paths provided additional enrichment. In particular, a climate of respect and openness emerged, allowing sensitive topics - such as gender issues - to be discussed in a positive and constructive way, even outside formal learning moments. Everyone felt valued and never judged, able to express their opinions freely even in the presence of differing viewpoints. The presentations of group work, followed by comments from the speakers, concluded the program on Friday morning; the feedback and discussions that followed were among the most impactful moments of the entire seminar.

Reflections that emerged during the interview highlighted an awareness of the persistence of significant gender stereotypes in the workplace and in higher levels of education: "Women are often less listened to and taken less seriously than their male colleagues, and positions of greater responsibility are still frequently associated with men". “A truly inclusive study or work environment should ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to express themselves, without any voice overshadowing others. Organizations -universities, companies, associations - are called to play an active role in raising awareness on these issues and in taking concrete action to ensure that every voice is heard and taken seriously in the same way.”"

On a personal level, the seminar left a deep mark. Among the key takeaways was the desire to adopt new narratives, develop more empathetic communication, and learn to relate to people beyond their roles. The experience further broadened what was already considered an open mindset, reshaping perspectives on both equal opportunities and environmental issues.

Regarding the meaning of inclusion, the group’s reflection evoked the image of “An environment - not simply a group, but a context made up of tools, support, and conditions - in which no one feels inadequate or excluded, and where positive forms of engagement are found for every individual present”.

“If you had to summarize the three days at the House of Sustainability in one word?” - “Dialogue. A dialogue capable of opening our eyes to ourselves and others, and of pointing the way forward towards a more peaceful and respectful future".

The response from the 14th Alpine Seminar reinforces the integration of themes such as equal opportunities, inclusion and diversity into the educational programme of the House of Sustainability, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda, particularly those dedicated to gender equality, the reduction of inequalities and the promotion of fairer and more inclusive societies. The outcome of this edition confirms the value of an innovative educational approach, capable of connecting theory, experience and the local area, fostering more conscious, inclusive and sustainable growth.