A dedication to driving positive change and promoting sustainable practices across the country has earned UPN鈥檚 Social Responsibility Manager,Mercedes Ca虂ceres Oyarce, first place in theSustainability Leaders ranking by Peru虂 Sostenible (a national, non-profit association that urges companies to act as change agents in promoting sustainable development).
In commenting on the honor, Mercedes said: 鈥淕iven education has the power to transform societies, we see it as our role to lead the process in sustainable practices in our country, and contribute more broadly to the 2030 UN Sustainable Development Agenda.鈥
Mercedes added that the most influential wayUPN can promote sustainability is to integrate it into all aspects of the university鈥檚 operations鈥 from incorporating social responsibility and sustainability content in the curricula (ensuring students acquire knowledge about environmental, social and economic issues relevant to sustainable development); to sustainable campus management(adopting eco-efficient management practices inwaste, energy, water, transportation and sustainable procurement); and undertaking sustainability projects that align with the university鈥檚 programs and promote collaboration with the community.
One of those community projects is the La Ensenada(鈥楾he Cove鈥) Health Prevention Project, whichprovides free health services to residents of Lima鈥檚Puente Piedra district and surrounding areas. In2023, 400 students assisted more than 7,000 people with over 30,000 free healthcare appointments.
鈥淪ustainability is crucial for our country鈥檚 progress and well-being, and the recognition from Peru虂 Sostenible motivates me to continue championing for sustainable practices that protect our environment, and promote equity and social justice.鈥
