European Sustainable Development Week 2026
he European Sustainable Development Week (ESDW) is a Europe-wide initiative promoting the principles of sustainable development. It brings together conferences, exhibitions, workshops, seminars, film screenings, community events, open days, and many other activities that highlight the importance of building a sustainable future. ESDW is officially held every year from 20–26 September, although associated events in 2026 will take place between 18 September and 8 October. This year's theme in the Czech Republic is Education for Sustainability.
Events included in ESDW
22 September 2026, 2:00 PM - Planting Spring Bulbs during SEMESTER START
Students and staff who would like to get involved in a hands-on sustainability activity are invited to join the Department of Environmental Studies and Natural Resources in planting bulbs and enhancing the surroundings of FRRMS.
23 September 2026 - Azyl Jelínek Booth at MENDELU Party
During the MENDELU Party, visitors can stop by the stand of Azyl Jelínek, an animal rescue shelter founded by an alumna of MENDELU's Faculty of AgriSciences. Visitors will have the opportunity to support the shelter symbolically by purchasing animal food and treats.
25 September 2026 - Science Night
From the language of bees to signals from deep space, this year’s Science Night explores the theme of Communication. Visitors can discover how plants, machines, ecosystems, and even our own brains communicate. The event takes place from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM and offers a wide range of interactive activities and demonstrations.
26 September 2026 - Run MENDELU
The 8th annual MENDELU Run will take place in the Botanical Garden and Arboretum of MENDELU. The event includes races for students, staff, families, relay teams, and children. Alongside the sporting competitions, visitors can enjoy live music, refreshments, and activities for children, making it an opportunity for both healthy movement and community-building.
29 September 2026 - Bitter Truth, Sweet Chocolate
Have you ever wondered what lies behind a simple chocolate bar? As part of ESDW, CSR MENDELU invites you to an event exploring responsible cocoa trade, ethical supply chains, and sustainable local entrepreneurship. The program includes a documentary screening, a presentation by the Brno-based chocolate maker Ajala Chocolate, a discussion, and a guided chocolate tasting.
Q22, 1:00–3:00 PM
The event will be held in English.
1–3 October 2026 - RESPO Conference
At the beginning of October, FRRMS will host an international scientific conference focused on regional development and international studies. Topics include innovation, regional competitiveness, social inclusion, governance, security challenges, demographic and geographic change, sustainability, environmental issues, and international cooperation.
1–4 October 2026 - EKOFILM International Film Festival
This year’s 52nd EKOFILM International Environmental Film Festival focuses on water and its natural cycle. The festival combines film screenings, expert discussions, workshops, and cultural events addressing current environmental challenges related to water, climate adaptation, and landscape management.
FRRMS MENDELU is one of the festival’s traditional co-organizers. Visitors can attend a screening of ten short competition films in the Short and Blue category and join a guided tour of the Botanical Garden and Arboretum.
3–10 October 2026 - Exhibition on Trees: Ghanaian Cocoa
The nationwide Exhibition on Trees, organized by Fairtrade Czech Republic and Slovakia, will be displayed across the MENDELU campus in Černá Pole. Fourteen exhibition panels will introduce visitors to the lives of cocoa farmers in Ghana and highlight issues of fair working conditions, responsible consumption, and the global impacts of food production.
The exhibition will be located along campus pathways, enabling students, staff, and visitors to explore where cocoa comes from, what challenges farmers face, and how consumer choices influence lives on the other side of the world.