We are thrilled to announce the official launch of the international project SUSTAIN (Sustainable Universities for Society Through Action, Innovation, and Knowledge Networks). Co-funded by the European Union’s Erasmus+ Capacity Building for Higher Education programme, this ambitious three-year initiative brings together an international consortium across Europe and the Indo-Pacific region.
The project officially commenced with a virtual kick-off meeting, bringing together all partner institutions to align on our shared mission: transforming the role of higher education in regional and global development.
The Consortium: A Global Network
Led by project coordinator Škoda Auto Vysoká škola (Czech Republic), the SUSTAIN consortium spans two continents, bridging European expertise with dynamic institutions in the Indo-Pacific:
- Europe: University of Dubrovnik (Croatia) | The European Society for Socio-Economic Integration (Belgium)
- Vietnam: Banking Academy | Phu Yen University | Bac Giang Agriculture and Forestry University
- Maldives: Islamic University of Maldives | Zikura International College
Our Mission: Empowering the "Third Mission"
While universities are traditionally known for teaching and research, SUSTAIN focuses heavily on a university's "Third Mission", its active engagement with society, local communities, and socio-economic development.
The primary aim of the project is to support partner universities in Vietnam and the Maldives in strengthening their institutional capacities. We are working together to embed critical global priorities directly into university governance, curricula, and community outreach, including:
- Green Solutions & Environmental Sustainability
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
Bridging the Gap: A key priority for SUSTAIN is supporting universities located outside major international hubs. By providing these institutions with access to global cooperation and Erasmus+ opportunities, the project aims to reduce disparities in international engagement and boost regional development.
Key Project Deliverables
Over the next three years, consortium partners will collaborate through structured international mobilities and knowledge-sharing workshops to co-create tangible resources, including:
- An institutional capacity-building model.
- Co-developed frameworks for third-mission university strategies.
- Comprehensive sustainability learning materials.
- A practical toolkit for building inclusive campus environments.
The SUSTAIN project represents an important step toward strengthening the role of universities as active contributors to societal development. We place strong emphasis on sharing good practices between European and Indo-Pacific partners. Our goal is to support partner institutions in contributing to a sustainable future for their regions in the long term.
Assoc. Prof. Pavel Štrach
Project Academic Supervisor
EU Alignment with EU Priorities
The SUSTAIN project is proudly aligned with the European Union’s overarching priorities in environmental sustainability, civic engagement, and social inclusion.
Stay tuned to our news page and social channels for upcoming updates, mobility highlights, and milestones as we journey toward a more sustainable future.