Rzeszów, Poland | March 13, 2025 — The University of Information Technology and Management (UITM) took center stage in advancing sustainability-oriented project education by presenting the SPM² – Sustainable Project Management through PM² initiative at the SUNRISE Conference, an event dedicated to fostering innovation and European collaboration in higher education.
Sustainability Meets Methodology: Shaping the Future of Project Education
Organized as part of UITM’s broader engagement in European university alliances, the event showcased how SPM²integrates sustainability principles directly into PM², the project management methodology developed by the European Commission. The session offered a compelling narrative on why structured project management must evolve to meet the demands of the EU Green Deal and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“With SPM², we’re not just managing projects—we’re shaping leaders equipped for the twin green and digital transitions,” remarked Dr Joanna Wójcik, co-author of the event report.
From Vision to Action: Highlights from the Conference
Hosted within the SUNRISE Alliance framework, the session titled “Promoting Sustainable Project Management with PM²” featured:
Introduction to SPM²: A clear overview of the project’s mission to embed sustainability into structured project delivery.
Expert Panel Discussions: Academics and industry professionals exchanged insights on aligning PM education with sustainability imperatives.
Networking and Collaboration: Dialogue between students, educators, and practitioners opened new avenues for co-creation of tools, case studies, and micro-credentials.
Who Attended – Cross-Sectoral Knowledge Ecosystem
The event gathered a diverse and dynamic mix of participants:
University faculty and researchers involved in curriculum design and sustainability research
Practicing project managers and ESG professionals eager to integrate sustainability into daily workflows
Students and emerging professionals exploring future certification opportunities in green project management
Feedback Highlights – A Community Ready for Transformation
High Interest: Attendees embraced the SPM² initiative and welcomed its practical alignment with current EU policies.
Suggestions: Participants called for more real-world case studies and hands-on workshops to deepen the learning experience.
Professional Value: Many recognized the potential of SPM²’s future certification system to elevate their sustainability credentials.
Visibility and Institutional Commitment
The event was broadly promoted across UITM’s academic channels and social media, reinforcing the institution’s leadership in advancing sustainability education. It also aligned with UITM’s participation in the SUNRISE Alliance—a prestigious European initiative fostering cross-border academic excellence and innovation.
