This program allowed me to meet other young people with the same doubts, concerns and interests

In the heart of IE University, where innovation meets sustainability, the Eco Club stands as a beacon of green initiatives and environmental awareness. Led by Shannon Clancy, a passionate third-year International Relations student, the club has carved a niche for itself within the university's vibrant community. With its roots deeply embedded in sustainability, one of IE University's main pillars, the Eco Club embodies the university's commitment to creating a more sustainable future.

The club's participation in the 2023 Warsaw CIVICA Student conference was a testament to the power of collaboration and networking. CIVICA, an alliance of ten leading European social science universities, provided a platform for the Eco-Club to connect with like-minded students and institutions. "The conference was a whirlwind of ideas and inspiration. It was enlightening to see how other universities operate their clubs and to envision how we can enhance our own," Shannon Clancy said. “I had one of the most enlightening conversations with students from the London School of Economics (LSE), and we even discussed a potential idea of an Eco Club alliance with Bocconi University students.”

The Eco Club, founded with the vision of fostering a community of sustainability-minded students, serves as a dual-platform: on one hand, it focuses on professional development, and on the other, it emphasizes social impact and advocacy. This dual approach has enabled the club to organize a range of events ranging from professional workshops to community-driven park clean-ups, thereby embodying its mission—to integrate sustainability into every aspect of life.

Under Shannon Clancy’s leadership, the club has not only flourished but also contributes to reinforcing IE University´s status as an eco-conscious university. IE University takes pride in its carbon neutrality and its continuous efforts to showcase sustainable practices. "Sustainability is not just a choice, it's a necessity. At IE University, we're not just learning about sustainability, we're living it," Shannon Clancy said, reflecting on the university's green initiatives.

One of the club's hallmark events, the Climathon, was a success, drawing attention to local ecological concerns and bridging the gap between international students and the local community. This event was held in collaboration with the IE University Sustainable Development Goals Club and under the auspices of CLIMATE KIC, an NGO style climate organization. “We were able to produce this event to connect IE students with local community concerns and “pop” the international student bubble, something especially important as many IE University students coming from abroad are not familiar with local ecological issues. We are looking forward to creating an even larger and better event this fall, and many universities at the conference expressed their interest in producing their own in their respective regions”, said Shannon Clancy.

Looking to the future, the Eco Club is buzzing with excitement over potential collaborations with prestigious institutions like Bocconi University in Italy and Hertie School in Germany. "Sustainability knows no borders. To create real change, we must build coalitions that

transcend geographical and ideological differences," Shannon Clancy said, emphasizing the club's mission to foster global partnerships.