About

Sustainable Universities for Society Through Action, Innovation, and Knowledge Networks

Promoting innovation, sustainability, and inclusive institutional transformation in higher education.
SUSTAIN – Sustainable Universities for Society Through Action, Innovation, and Knowledge Networks

The SUSTAIN project will promote innovation and sustainability in higher education by strengthening the capacity of universities to integrate green development, social engagement, and inclusive practices into teaching, governance, and community outreach. The project will support the development of sustainability-focused training programs, operational tools, and institutional frameworks that enhance the Third Mission of higher education institutions. Through international collaboration, mobility activities, workshops, and stakeholder engagement initiatives, SUSTAIN will foster knowledge exchange, peer learning, and long-term partnerships among universities in Europe, Vietnam, and the Maldives. The project will also produce practical toolkits and resources to help institutions implement Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI), and sustainability strategies effectively across the higher education sector.
Promote Sustainable and Inclusive Higher Education
Empower universities to integrate sustainability, social responsibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion into teaching, governance, and institutional practices.
Strengthen Universities’ Third Mission
Enable higher education institutions to actively contribute to community engagement, socio-economic development, environmental sustainability, and industry collaboration.
Develop Institutional Sustainability Frameworks
Support the creation of practical frameworks, toolkits, and operational strategies that guide universities in implementing sustainability-focused initiatives and long-term institutional transformation.
Foster International Collaboration and Knowledge Exchange
Encourage collaboration, mobility, peer learning, and cross-cultural partnerships among universities and stakeholders across Europe, Vietnam, and the Maldives.
Enhance Capacity for Green and Social Innovation
Build the capacity of educators, administrators, and institutions to lead innovation in sustainability, climate resilience, CSR, and socially engaged higher education.

SUSTAIN: Scale, Scope & Impact

Project at a glance

PARTNERS

8 Institutions

Across Czechia, Croatia, Belgium, Vietnam, and the Maldives.

BUDGET

€399,044

Funded project budget.

WORK

4 Work Packages

  • WP1: Project Implementation and Management
  • WP2: Develop training and tools for the Third Mission
  • WP3: Deploy and Validate Training
  • WP4: Dissemination

DURATION

36 Months

January 2026 – December 2028

SUSTAIN Specific Objectives

Core Objectives

01

Strengthen Institutional Capacity

Enhance the ability of universities to integrate sustainability and social engagement into governance, teaching, and operations.
02

Promote Sustainable Development

Support HEIs in contributing to green recovery, climate resilience, and sustainable economic growth.
03

Foster Inclusion and Equity

Develop inclusive institutional practices that promote diversity, equity, accessibility, and equal participation.
04

Build International Collaboration

Create stronger partnerships between European and Asian institutions through mobility, networking, and knowledge exchange.
05

Enhance Third Mission Activities

Empower universities to engage actively with society, industry, communities, and policy development.