Interview Claudia Schmitt

26 September 2017, by Tobias Wegener

Dr. Claudia T. Schmitt is managing director and scientific coordinator of the Universität Hamburg Center for a Sustainable University and initiator of the HSDS. In the run-up of the conference we have asked her some questions:

Today is the first day of the Hamburg Sustainable Development Summit 2017 and you are Chief Executive Officer. Which was the main reason for you to realize such an event for sustainable science?

I’m Managing Director of UHH Center for a Sustainable University for some years now. I’ve had the pleasure to meet a lot of wonderful people engaged in sustainability topics in different fields of action, from different countries and networks. Now it was just time hosting a get together, inviting colleagues and friends to share knowledge, insights, ideas and to create synergies for sustainable development!

What was the biggest challenge while planning it?

To integrate the whole bunch of different work packages we had to manage! And to keep up the spirit for the HSDS a whole year of preparation through. But I have an amazing team with me! This team is so reliable and powerful that we successfully coped with this challenge. Again: a big thanks to my great team!!

What, in your opinion, will make the Hamburg Sustainable Development Summit successful?

I’d say: it’s a successful step on the path already to have come this far organizing the HSDS. All the participants will contribute to the success and spirit of this conference! And if our guest will take inspiration, new perspectives and contacts home from the HSDS, I’d be very happy.

What, do you wish, the people will say after the summit about it?

“Was a good idea to be part of HSDS! I didn’t expect it to be like this, but I’m enriched now and have to tell my friends and family about the experiences I’ve gained there”

What is your personal favorite slot/ workshop at this event?

Honestly, I couldn’t find the time to really immerse in the program to identify favorites. We do have so many slots and workshops and I’m sure all of them are interesting and special in their own way! But I’m looking forward to the workshop on serious play (the one I am giving together with my colleagues Cordula and Wolfgang) and particularly to the wrap-up sessions.

Will you plan and organize a Hamburg Sustainable Development Summit 2018?

There will be a HOCH^N-Network day next year, but in Bremen. And 2018 is already packed with other projects. So there are no plans for another HSDS yet. But let’s see! You are welcome to ask me again in four years. ;)

Comments

If you have any comments or questions, please feel free to contact us: SHK.KNU@uni-hamburg.de.(SHK.KNU"AT"uni-hamburg.de)
For organizational questions about the conference, please use our contact page.