Conference
Sustainability at ECP2027
Sustainability Statement
ECP2027: Psychology Contributing to the 2030 Agenda
The 20th European Congress of Psychology (ECP2027) is committed to supporting the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and abide to EFPA sustainability policies and guidelines.
ECP2027 recognises that international scientific congresses have environmental and social impacts. At the same time, bringing people together provides unique opportunities for scientific exchange, collaboration, learning and the development of collective responses to shared challenges. Sustainability is understood at as an integral principle of both the ORGANISATION of the congress and its scientific and professional PROGRAMME.
Our objective is to minimise the environmental impact of the Congress while preserving the essential value of an international, in-person scientific event: the opportunity to meet, exchange knowledge, establish collaborations and strengthen the European and global psychological community. Through responsible organisation, inclusive participation, sustainable resource management and a scientific programme addressing the major challenges of technology and humanity, ECP2027 aims to contribute to a more sustainable future for people, organisations, communities and societies.
Full document
Sustainability Statement (PDF)
Our Commitment to Sustainable Congress Organisation
Venue and Location
ECP2027 will take place primarily in the center of Belgrade, with the main scientific programme hosted at the Faculty of Philosophy, University of Belgrade, together with additional activities at the Faculty of Philology and the University of Belgrade Rectorate Building.
The selected venues are centrally located and well connected by free public transport. Their location enables many participants to reach hotels, restaurants, museums, cultural institutions and major historical sites on foot, thereby reducing the need for additional transportation during the Congress.
The venues provide established educational infrastructure and technical facilities, reducing the need for additional equipment transport and temporary infrastructure. They include large indoor spaces suitable for scientific sessions and are designed to accommodate large academic gatherings. Most of the facilities are spacious, bright, and airy, with abundant natural daylight and a constant supply of fresh air.
Relevant information regarding the Congress location, transportation, accessibility, accommodation and local services will be provided through the respective sections of the ECP2027 website, enabling participants to make informed and sustainable travel and mobility choices.
Sustainable Mobility
Belgrade is an accessible European capital with international air connections and extensive road and rail connections. Airport, bus and railway stations are connected with the city center by public transport.
Within the city, participants will be encouraged to use free public transportation and walking whenever possible. The central location of the main Congress venues makes walking a practical and sustainable option for many journeys between Congress facilities, accommodation and cultural attractions.
Participants will also be encouraged to consider the environmental impact of their travel choices and to select lower-carbon travel options whenever these are practical and accessible.
Our aim is to support sustainable mobility by providing clear and practical information on: travelling to Belgrade; public transportation; walking routes between Congress venues and key locations; accessibility of the venues; accommodation within convenient distance of the Congress facilities.
Sustainable Resource Management
ECP2027 will seek to minimise unnecessary resource consumption throughout the planning and delivery of the Congress. Key measures will include: prioritising digital communication and electronic information; providing an electronic Congress programme; minimising printed materials; supporting electronic and digital presentation formats, including e-posters where appropriate; reducing the use of single-use plastics; providing access to drinking water and encouraging reusable water solutions; supporting waste separation and recycling practices; promoting efficient use of energy and resources; selecting sustainable materials whenever possible.
Particular attention will be paid to the environmentally responsible selection and management of resources used in the planning and delivery of the Congress. Water bottles made from sustainable materials will be provided to encourage participants to refill them at water fountains. The conference pack will not include single-use or non-sustainable items. Gifts for speakers will consist of small, locally produced items.
Sustainable Catering and Support for the Local Economy
ECP2027 recognises that sustainable event organisation also involves supporting local communities and economies. Whenever feasible, catering and related services will prioritise: local and regional food suppliers; locally sourced products; local service providers; sustainable catering materials; responsible waste management; the reduction of unnecessary packaging and disposable materials.
The Congress will also support the involvement of local communities through the participation of volunteers and local support staff.
In order to minimize food waste, the quantity of food will be carefully planned according to the number of registered participants, served in appropriately sized portions, and complemented by a greater range of plant-based options.
Where gifts or promotional materials are provided, preference will be given to useful, locally produced and responsibly sourced items.
Accessibility, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
ECP2027 is firmly committed to ensuring that the Congress is accessible, inclusive and welcoming to participants from diverse backgrounds and circumstances.
We support equal opportunities for participation regardless of: age; gender; disability; ethnicity; nationality or country of origin; religion; economic circumstances; sexual orientation; opinions or other personal characteristics.
Accessibility considerations will include physical access to Congress facilities and the provision of appropriate information and support for participants with different needs.
The Congress will also seek to promote participation from countries and communities with more limited economic resources through appropriate registration policies and other measures designed to improve accessibility where feasible.
Diversity, equality, inclusion and mutual respect are fundamental principles guiding both the organisation and the scientific programme of ECP2027.
Transparent and Responsible Congress Governance
ECP2027 is committed to transparent, fair and accountable organisational and scientific procedures. The processes related to abstract submission, registration, scientific evaluation and participation will be clearly communicated and designed to promote fairness and equal opportunities.
The scientific review process will follow appropriate standards of independence and confidentiality, including double-blind peer review procedures. Through transparent decision-making processes and clearly defined criteria, the Congress aims to minimise inequalities and ensure fair treatment of participants throughout all stages of the Congress.
ECP2027 supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future.
The SDG icons will be used solely for informational and illustrative purposes on the ECP2027 conference website to communicate the conference’s sustainability commitments and alignment with relevant Sustainable Development Goals. Their use is non-commercial and is not intended for fundraising.
Disclaimer: (https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment): “The content of this publication has not been approved by the United Nations and does not reflect the views of the United Nations or its officials or Member States”.