Listen to Science. Act to stabilize our planet. NOW.
THRIVE Impact Summer School
August 29th - September 2nd/3rd, 2027
applicaton process for 2027 has started!
Topic 2027: Sustainable Urbanization
About THRIVE Impact Summer School 2027
Sustainable Urbanization is one of the defining challenges of the 21st century. Today, more than half of the world's population lives in cities, and this share is expected to continue growing. While urban areas are hubs of innovation, economic opportunity, and social progress, they are also responsible for a significant share of global greenhouse gas emissions, resource consumption, waste generation, and biodiversity loss.
To address these challenges, sustainable urbanization solutions are urgently needed. Future cities must balance environmental sustainability, economic resilience, and social inclusion while staying within planetary boundaries. This requires rethinking how we design, build, govern, and live in urban spaces.
The 2027 topic of Sustainable Urbanization focuses on creating regenerative, resilient, and inclusive cities that can support growing populations while enhancing quality of life and ecological integrity.
How can we shape the cities of the future to ensure environmental sustainability, social equity, and economic resilience, while meeting the challenges and opportunities of an increasingly urbanized world?
THRIVE Impact will explore the transformations needed across housing, mobility, energy, infrastructure, governance, and the built environment. Participants will gain the mindset, tools, and systems perspective required to drive sustainable urban development and help create thriving cities that operate within the Earth's limits while supporting human well-being.
"We have less than 10 years
to transform
the future of humanity
- or destabilize the planet."
An immersive one-week experience at one of the world´s top universities.
Creating an integrative academic, social and cultural experience.
Reasons to choose THRIVE Impact
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Join an
international group of like-minded changemakers &
co-create to transform the future
Gain key knowledge,
grow your professional network and
find opportunities for future employment
Qualify for the Global Leadership Challenge (cooperation between Oxford University and St.Gallen Symposium)
Receive a confirmation of participation as a
THRIVE Impact Leader
from the University of St.Gallen
Have an unforgettable and meaningful experience in the Swiss Alps and at the University of St.Gallen
Be part of a network of
scientists, researchers & innovators.
Melissa, MSc
Environmental Engineering
“Unity and not division is key to a safe and just world."
Adrian, PhD
Computer Science
"Sustainability is a grand challenge that cannot be tackled by an individual itself."
Johanna, BSc
Global Studies
(Participant Cohort 1)
“We need bridge builders that unit the business sector, politics and activism to accelerate the fight for climate justice.”
Programme Overview:
Topic 2027: Sustainable Urbanization
29th August - 2nd/3rd September 2027
An inclusive Programme in English
Transforming Mindsets (29th August 2027)
Location: Offsite@St. Gallen
Navigating Sustainable Urbanization (30th August 2027)
Location: SQUARE@HSG
Envision & Leading Sustainable Urbanization (31st August 2027)
Location: SQUARE@HSG
Accelerating Sustainable Urbanization (1std - 2nd September 2027)
Location: SQUARE@HSG
Peer2Peer Learning (3rd September 2027) Optional
Location: SQUARE@HSG
Collaborating towards a safe & just space
for humanity within planetary boundaries.
Application and Selection Process
Application:
The application process for 2027 will start soon.
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The application deadline is: 9.8.2027 (CHF 300).
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(Early Bird deadline: 31st of March 2027) (CHF 200).
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If you are interested in participating @THRIVE Impact Summer School 2027, please fill out the application form and send it to clis@unisg.ch.
Selection Process:
THRIVE is for currently enrolled bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral students from across disciplines, universities and nationalities. Successful applicants have a strong commitment to personal growth, collaboration, and are driven by impact.
Selection is based on group composition; THRIVE is committed to a diversity of backgrounds, nationalities, gender / gender identifications and disciplines of study.
Programme Costs:
We charge a registration fee of CHF 300 (Early Bird CHF 200) that needs to be paid within a week after the approval. This amount includes the overall programme fee.
Accommodation Costs:
Accommodation costs for the week (sunday-thursday) in St. Gallen are not included.
Due to dates during the vacations and summer period, student collocations are largely available. Additionally, all St. Gallen-based students are invited to participate in hosting students from outside St. Gallen.
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Who is THRIVE Impact Summer School for?
THRIVE is for students (Bachelor, Master, PhD) of any discipline who ...
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... are impact-driven, collaborative, open-minded and committed to personal growth
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... are seeking to meet like-minded people from diverse backgrounds
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... want to contribute to building a safe and just space for humanity
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... want to engage in unforgettable social and cultural activities, such as a nature immersion in Switzerland
THRIVE Impact Summer School
Team
We can't wait to welcome you to our programme at the University of St.Gallen.
Dr. Julia Bahlmann & Dr. Justus von Grone
Ambassadors
Paul Ringel
Paul Ringel is an entrepreneurial business student and founder with a strong track record in venture building and strategic execution. He has founded and managed multiple growth-oriented ventures, focusing on scalable business models at the intersection of impact, innovation, and finance. As an Ambassador for the THRIVE Impact Summer School at the University of St. Gallen, he helps bring together founders, corporates, and investors to work on real-world impact cases.
Former & General Partners
Q & A.
Click here for more Information on: Application, Language, Programme and Fees Application •I am a student, but not currently enrolled at university, can I still participate in the Summer School? Yes, you can. Just make a note on your application in terms you are not currently enrolled and shortly explain your situation. We do not have any age restrictions. •I am a young professional, but interested in participating, am I able to apply? If you have less than 2 years experience, you are still able to apply. However, students will have an advantage in getting a spot for the THRIVE Impact Summer School. Language •Which level in English is required? As the programme language is English, you should have a minimum level of B2. Programme •How much time do I need to invest in the programme? The programme is a one-week full-time programme. •When does the programme actually kick-off? The programme will start on Sunday in nature around 9am, with a journey of about 20-30 minutes from St. Gallen. Further details are following. •When is the programme finished? The closing ceremony will be finished on Thursday around 4pm. On Friday we offer from 9.30 am to 2pm a Students teach HighSchool Students programme. •Which "degree" do participants get? After a successful participation you will get a confirmation of participation. Therefore you need to attend the whole week, till the last day. ECTS-Credits are only provided for HSG students. Fees •Is the programme free of charge? No. We charge a registration fee of 300 CHF (200 CHF Early Bird Price). Accomodation in St.Gallen (Sunday-Thursday) needs to be organized and paid by the students, we offer a buddy-hosting programme.
