University Center for International Studies European Studies Center
University Center for International Studies European Studies Center

Urban Sustainability

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Sustainable Cities & Communities: A Transatlantic Dialogue

Small actions, Big Impact. A Sustainable Tomorrow!

October 15–16, 2025

Urban Farm Tour
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Shuttle Pick Up: TBD
Arrive at shuttle pick up at 9:45 AM
Max capacity: 25
 
Registration Link: HERE
Registration required by Friday, October 10, 2025
 
Farms We'll Be Visiting:

 
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
5:00 PM- 6:00 PM
University of Pittsburgh
Wesley W. Posvar, Room 4130 
 
The Green Scene: Urban Farmers, Sustainable Communities in Pittsburgh and Berlin
Dr. Jesko Hirschfeld, Humboldt University of Berlin
 
 
Panel Discussion & Workshops
Thursday, October 16, 2025
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location:
University of Pittsburgh
William Pitt Union, Lower Level

Welcoming Remarks

Part I: Panel Discussion 
Moderator: Randall Halle, European Studies Center
Panelists:
Dr. Patrick Shirey — Geology and Environmental Science, University of Pittsburgh
Lisa Freeman — Freeman and Family Farm
Ebony Lunsford-Evans — Farm Gurl Eb
Dr. Jesko Hirschfeld — Humboldt University of Berlin

Part II:  Breakout / Discussion Groups
Group A: Urban Farming Challenges and Opportunities
Group B: Climate resilience strategies in cities
Group C: Ensuring nutrition security for vulnerable populations

**Lunch will be provided. 

Sponsors: 

European Studies Center
Global Studies Center
German Department
Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation
Office of Sustainability in the Health Sciences
University Center of International Studies
German on Campus
Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany Washington