The PROJEKTKONFERENCIA 2025, hosted by the Rejtő Sándor Faculty of Light Industry and Environmental Engineering at Obuda University, achieved significant success, featuring the International Scientific Conference “Sustainability: Conscious Education and Training” on May 23. Dr. Katalin Szili, Prime Ministerial Chief Advisor and former Speaker of the National Assembly, served as chief patron. The Hungarian Pedagogical Society’s Project Pedagogy Section provided key professional support, with contributions from the Rudolf Kálmán Foundation for Obuda University.
The conference began with opening remarks from Dr. habil. László Koltai, Dean of the Rejtő Faculty, and Dr. Rita Bodáné Kendrovics, Director of the Institute of Environmental Engineering and Natural Sciences and Vice-Dean for Education. Dean Koltai conveyed greetings from Rector Prof. Dr. Levente Kovács, emphasizing the critical role of sustainability education for future generations to foster conscious and responsible citizens. Dr. Bodáné Kendrovics highlighted how this education equips individuals with practical skills and competencies, promoting environmentally conscious actions. The event’s presentations and workshops facilitated the exchange of best practices and experiences.
The conference boasted a rich program with numerous distinguished experts. Csaba Kőrösi, Strategic Director of the Blue Planet Foundation and former President of the UN General Assembly, delivered an inspiring lecture on “Sustainable Economy, Society – What Should We Prepare For?”. Katalin Czippán, Education and Strategic Advisor at the Blue Planet Foundation, discussed “Nature-based education for sustainability.” Prof. Dr. Andrea Dúll, a university professor and member of the MTA Presidential Committee on Sustainable Development, explored the conscious and unconscious environmental sociological educational context of sustainability education through the lens of eco-emotions.
Other notable speakers included Attila Molnár, Director General of the Rudolf Kálmán Foundation for Obuda University, who detailed the foundation’s sustainability efforts. Dr. Mónika Bakosné Diószegi, Head of Office and Deputy Director of Obuda University’s University Well-being Center, presented on integrating ESG criteria into university life and their impact on student well-being. Anikó Orgoványi, President of the Green Heart Youth Nature Conservation Movement, discussed the place of nature pedagogy within the system of sciences.
Chief patron Dr. Katalin Szili delivered a presentation titled “Between Two Sustainable Framework Strategies: From the National Concept of Transition Towards Sustainability to Achieving a Sustainability Turn,” focusing on national and global challenges in the sustainability transition. Prof. Dr. Mária Németh CSc from Selye János University, in collaboration with Dr. Rita Bodáné Kendrovics, researched the pedagogy of sustainability from an environmental pedagogy perspective.
The afternoon featured parallel sessions where over 60 participants delved deeper into various aspects of sustainability and specific topics. The conference provided an excellent platform for scientific dialogue, experience sharing, and networking, reaffirming Obuda University’s commitment to sustainability and environmentally conscious education. Overall, the event was a great success, contributing significantly to advancing sustainable development goals.
