How to Approach Racism and Multiculturalism on Campuses
Organised by the UNIgreen Alliance as part of the Diversity and Inclusion Unit’s initiatives and the UNIgreen Equality Days, this webinar will bring together expert speakers from across Europe to explore effective approaches to addressing racism and fostering multiculturalism on university campuses. Participants will gain valuable insights, share experiences, and discuss best practices for creating more inclusive and diverse academic environments.
On Thursday, 12 November 2026, join us for an online event, from 10:00 to 12:00 CET with expert speakers and engaging discussions.
Programme
- 10am : We will start with a brief introduction from pour host, Nath Jonniaux, who will explain what inspired the creation of this specific Equality Days’ Webinar.
- 10.15am : Sonia Thomas, “Nobody meant to exclude anyone: bias, groups and what we can all change“
We will have a presentation from our first speaker, Sonia Thomas. Sonia Thomas is an executive coach, team coach and consultant who helps leaders and teams work across cultures. Sonia asks : Why does the same student end up alone in every group exercise, even though nobody decided to leave them out? Drawing on real classroom stories, she explores how our mental shortcuts, group pressure and everyday micro-judgements quietly shape who feels they belong on campus. Using a systems lens, she shows how small, well-meaning moments add up to exclusion, and offers simple, practical steps that students and teachers can take straight away: in their own heads, in class and in project teams, and in the way courses are designed.
- 10.35am : Marta Mendel, “Between Integration and Exclusion: Micro-threats in the Academic Life of International Students in Poland, as Illustrated by the Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW)“
Marta Mendel, Vice-Rector for Internationalization at SGGW, is a Doctor of Veterinary Sciences. She will share with us the results of a survey on racism driven by polish students one year ago. The students being freshly graduated, they will not participate in the meeting. Their findings are nonetheless very precious, as surveys on racism that we face in our institutions give us the occasion to understand power dynamics and to act accordingly to make HEIs safer for everyone.
- 10.55am : We are still looking to replace the speaker who finally declined the invitation yesterday.
- 11.15am : Q&A with the audience.
- 11.45am : Conclusion and end of the webinar.