The festival will take place in Parma (Italy) from April 14th to 19th, 2026.
It is a highly prestigious event, bringing together leading Italian and international experts in the field of the Green Economy, alongside prominent entrepreneurs and some of the most authoritative journalists in the sector. Among the guests already confirmed for this edition are world-renowned figures such as Pavan Sukhdev, environmental economist, President of WWF International and winner of the 2020 Tyler Prize and the 2016 Blue Planet Prize; Guenter Blöschl, hydrologist and recipient of the 2025 Stockholm Water Prize; Timothy Palmer, physicist and climatologist at the University of Oxford; Michael Spence, Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences 2001; the European Climate Foundation Director, Hernan del Valle; Maria Chiara Carrozza, former Italian Minister of Education, university professor, and expert in engineering and scientific research; and Karin Bolin, Humana People to People Italia Director.
The Opportunity for International Students The Festival offers a unique opportunity for students to experience the Italian „Green Valley” first-hand. The program includes:
- Study Tour „Factories of Sustainability”: Visits to leading Italian companies that have successfully implemented circular economy and sustainable practices.
- Top-level Conferences: Access to keynotes and panels with international experts, such as environmental economist Pavan Sukhdev and hydrologist Guenter Blöschl.
The Academy Grant (Scholarship) We are offering 300 grants for selected university students. The grant covers:
- Accommodation for the entire duration of the stay (options from 3 to 6 days).
- Meals (lunches and dinners).
- Transfers to and from the companies during the Study Tour.
- (Please note: Travel expenses to/from Parma are not included).
We believe this could be a valuable educational experience for your students, allowing them to network with peers and professionals from across Europe.
Please find attached the full call for applications and the information kit with all relevant details. For your convenience, I am sending you the link for the application: International Academy – Green Economy Festival
