The University Coalition for Student Inner Development is a global initiative that seeks
to explore, implement, and scale inner development within higher education.
The Switzerland chapter brings together diverse actors from across the Swiss ecosystem,
drawing on insights from the global Coalition while focusing on the specific dynamics and
needs of the local context. Its mission is to co-create and support practical,
context-sensitive pathways for universities to strengthen the inner dimensions of
sustainability—through learning, leadership, and institutional change.
Rather than promoting a single framework, the Coalition embraces diverse approaches to inner development, drawing inspiration from existing institutional practices, interdisciplinary pedagogies, and frameworks such as the Inner Development Goals (IDGs).
1. Teaching & Learning: Swiss Inner Development Implementation Lab
A structured, expert-guided program supporting universities in embedding inner development into curricula and learning environments.
Goal: Enable meaningful, scalable, and tailored integration of inner development into academic programs.
How: Independent consultants work closely with faculty and students to co-design needs assessments, implementation plans, and experiential learning activities.
Why it matters: Educators receive direct, hands-on support to develop and sustain impactful approaches.
2. Community Building & Peer Learning
Fostering a vibrant, connected network of educators and institutional change-makers across Switzerland.
What we are doing in 2025:
Integrating inner development themes into existing sustainability-related events
Hosting in-person Community Meetings
Organizing a series of “Lunch & Learn” webinars featuring best practices and institutional stories
Why it matters: Peer exchange and shared inspiration drive change and build community across institutional boundaries.
3. Advocacy & Partnerships
Advancing the role of Inner Development within Switzerland and contributing to relevant policy processes.
🥪
(PAST EVENT) Lunch & Learn: Strategic IDG Integration with Prof. NijhofWebinar Nr. 1 05.05.2025 (12:00 - 13:30) Prof. André Nijhof | Strategic IDG Integration at Nyenrode University
Explore Strategic IDG Integration in a casual and interactive setting with Prof. André Nijhof (Nyenrode Business University)
🔔
Swiss IDG Kick-Off Meeting (in-person)23. June 2025 13:30h-18h ETH Zurich
This event is open for anybody working in academia and interested in inner development! Learn, expand your network and get answers to questions you hold. 13:30-14:00 Arrival & Coffee 14:00-15:00 The First IDG TED-style inspiration talks ('4 min each) 15-00-17:00 IDG Implementation Lab Pilot: bring your case to integrate inner development and get support. 17:00-18:00 Apéro (optional)
🎓
Didaktik-Talk: Inner Development Goals (in German)30.06, 17:30-19:00, Effingerstrasse 47, 3008 Bern
An der Berner Fachhochschule werden derzeit die Inner Development Goals (IDGs) in ersten Studiengängen, Modulen und Weiterbildungen eingesetzt. Am Didaktik-Talk stellen die Referierenden euch diese Projekte vor und wir diskutieren, wie wir innere Fähigkeiten und Qualitäten in der Lehre stärken können.
🥪
Lunch & Learn: Integrating IDGs in your teaching with the Transition MakersSept. 3rd, 12h-13:30, Online
Ilja & Belle from the Transitions Makers Toolbox will take us through the toolbox and help you easily integrate elements in your teaching.
🌍
Save-the-date (02.12): Sustainable Universities Day 2025Rapperswil
Save-the-date for the next edition of the Sustainable Universities Day, co-organised with the Coalition. More details to follow soon
To reflect the diverse realities of Swiss higher education institutions, the Switzerland Chapter offers two forms of participation - both of which are essential for the Coalition to thrive:
Institutions that actively help shape the Coalition’s direction and receive dedicated implementation support.
Contribute financially to support Coalition activities
Gain access to the Swiss Inner Development Implementation Lab
Be part of strategic decision-making and innovation pilots
Represent your institution in a growing network of Swiss changemakers
Individuals or institutions who participate in events, share best practices, and contribute to the wider learning community.
No financial contribution required
Attend webinars, in-person gatherings, and peer exchanges
Stay informed and inspired through our regular updates
We welcome both types of members, and you can start as a Community Member and explore deeper involvement over time.
André Podleisek - OST University of Applied Sciences
Sophie Rudolph - OST University of Applied Sciences
Claudia Zingerli - ETH Zurich
Giuliana Turi - ETH Zurich
Monica Barroso - University of St. Gallen
Jost Hamschmidt - University of St. Gallen
Manuel Fischer - Bern University of Applied Sciences
Marlies Dick - Bern University of Applied Sciences
Lali Giorgidze - University of Neuchatel
Emmanuelle Reuter - University of Neuchatel
Simon Zysset - WWF Switzerland
Mascha Theiler - WWF Switzerland
Niels Rot - Rflect
Judith Studer - Bern University of Applied Sciences
Martin Schopfer - Bern University of Applied Sciences
Barbora Starovicova - Bern University of Applied Sciences
Sophie Latrille - HES-SO Valais-Wallis
...more to be added soon
Would you like to join the Switzerland Coalition either as an individual community member or as an organisational core member, do apply below.
Apply to join
Share your pioneering efforts, learn from others, and support each other.
Be an active part of the forming and outreach efforts of the Coalition.
Attend regular events and networking opportunities.
Be invited to participate in a peer learning and co-creation activities.
The Switzerland Chapter is deeply aligned with the international efforts of the University Coalition for Student Inner Development, while remaining rooted in the unique context of Swiss institutions. Co-initiated by educators and changemakers in Swiss higher education, it has grown into an open, evolving network. The chapter supports universities in integrating the inner dimensions of sustainability into education, leadership, and institutional culture. Coordination is led by Giuliana Turi (ETH Zurich) and Niels Rot (Rflect).
📧 Contact us:
coalition@innerdevelopmentgoals.org