Throughout the 2024–2025 academic year, the EU GREEN European University Alliance launched its first joint photography contest, dedicated to promoting Sustainable Development Goal 4 – Quality Education for All. Under the theme “Collection of Emotions in Diversity,” the initiative was initially started at the University of Oradea, but quickly evolved into a shared project embraced by all nine universities of the Alliance.
Through this artistic endeavour, EU GREEN invited students to express, through photography, the emotions, challenges, and diversity that shape the European educational landscape. The contest became a powerful visual exploration of inclusion, cultural diversity, and equal access to education — core values of the EU GREEN mission.
A Contest Celebrated Across All EU GREEN Universities
Each university organised the competition locally, showcasing student creativity and selecting their national winners. These selected photographs were then submitted for the final evaluation at Alliance level. The award ceremonies held at each campus celebrated not only artistic talent but also powerful messages about education and unity in diversity.
During the EU GREEN Communication and Inclusion Days, held in Magdeburg from 18 to 20 November 2025, a jury composed of representatives from all partner universities selected the four final winners of the contest:
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- First Prize: Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg (OVGU)
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- Second Prize: University of Oradea (UO)
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- Third Prize: University of Parma (UNIPR)
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- Special Award for Creativity: University of Évora (UÉ)
As part of their recognition, the winning entries will be exhibited across all Alliance campuses, presented at the European Parliament, and their authors will receive certificates of appreciation acknowledging their contribution to inclusive and sustainable education.
A Visual Celebration of Diversity and Unity
The “Collection of Emotions in Diversity” contest exemplifies the strength of EU GREEN in developing meaningful, student-led initiatives that bridge cultures and promote collective identity. Through their photographs, students captured universal themes — curiosity, hope, introspection, and solidarity — offering a heartfelt portrayal of how education empowers individuals and communities across Europe.
This initiative not only highlights the role of art in advancing the values of sustainability and inclusion but also reinforces the Alliance’s commitment to building a more connected and equitable European Higher Education Area.
