On September 22, 2026, Daugavpils University hosted the seminar “Mathematics from a New Perspective: Teaching for a Sustainable Future” as part of European Sustainable Development Week 2026, which takes place from September 18 to October 8.

European Sustainable Development Week is a major European initiative dedicated to promoting sustainable development. Its primary aim is to foster international knowledge exchange and the sharing of good practices that contribute to a more sustainable future. The initiative provides an opportunity for representatives of Latvia and other European countries to showcase their efforts and achievements in advancing sustainability at both the local and global levels. It also enables public institutions, organizations, businesses, and individuals in Latvia to highlight their sustainability initiatives, projects, and examples of good practice (more information about events taking place across Latvia is available here).

The seminar “Mathematics from a New Perspective: Teaching for a Sustainable Future” focused on educational materials developed within the framework of the Nordplus Higher Education sub-programme project “Traditions and Innovations in Mathematics Education in the Baltic and Nordic Countries” (Agreement No. NPHE-2025/10040). The materials are designed to support educators in integrating sustainable development topics into mathematics teaching and learning (the materials are available here).

The seminar also provided an opportunity for participants to exchange ideas and discuss innovative approaches to mathematics education. The discussions emphasized that mathematics is much more than formulas and equations – it can also serve as a powerful tool for analyzing real-world developments and gaining a deeper understanding of issues such as climate change, resource consumption, and human impact on the environment. By connecting mathematical education with real-world sustainability challenges, the seminar highlighted the potential of mathematics to foster critical thinking, encourage informed decision-making, and contribute to education for a more sustainable future.

Additional information:
Liene Briede
E-mail: liene.briede@du.lv