Higher education institutions play a central role in preparing future professionals who can address today’s complex global challenges. In the midst of crises such as climate change, inequality, and environmental degradation, higher education institutions are poised to lead the transformation towards sustainability.
In this context, University President Network Aiming for Sustainability It was born as an initiative to unite university leaders from Latin America and the Caribbean with the aim of embedding sustainability at the core of higher education.
The origins of the network date back to September 2023, when 15 university presidents from eight countries signed the 10 Articles for University Sustainability at the end of the Sustainable University Leadership and Governance Programme.
The declaration highlights our collective determination to promote sustainability as a central pillar of our university strategy, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The formal establishment of the network will take place in Cartagena, Colombia, in August 2024 as a unique platform for institutional cooperation, with the support of UNESCO’s International Institute for Higher Education in Latin America and the Caribbean (IESALC). I got it.
Mission: Leading change towards sustainability
The University Presidents Network for Sustainability envisions institutions of higher education to be agents of change that foster social change through teaching, research, and community engagement.
The network’s mission is to advance sustainability in higher education by strengthening collaboration between universities, the private sector, and government and influencing the development of public policy that aligns with university sustainability goals and the needs of society. is to promote.
This network focuses on the following fundamental pillars:
• university leadership: Promote university leadership in sustainability initiatives that drive organizational change across governance, management, and campus culture.
• sustainable research and innovation: Encourages research that addresses pressing global sustainability issues, facilitates knowledge transfer, and promotes sustainable practices.
• Collaboration across disciplines: Strengthen collaboration between higher education institutions, the private sector, and government agencies to promote innovative and collaborative solutions to common challenges.
• influence public policy: Actively engage in policy design to ensure government decisions support sustainable development and align with higher education institutions’ sustainability efforts.
strategic goals
The Network’s strategic objectives guide its programs and initiatives and ensure a comprehensive approach to sustainability in higher education.
• curriculum integration: The main objective is to integrate sustainability principles into the academic curriculum to enable students to confront global challenges from a holistic and interdisciplinary perspective.
• sustainable leadership and governance: Fostering transformational leadership among university leaders to embed governance practices that prioritize sustainability and drive systemic change.
• Collaboration between universities, companies, and government: Establish synergistic partnerships between academia, industry, and government to scale sustainable efforts and maximize overall impact.
• sustainable research support: Supporting research projects that address sustainable development challenges and fostering knowledge networks that enable the dissemination of green technologies and best practices.
• Awareness of SDGs: Raise awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals among students, faculty and communities and strengthen the vital role of universities in achieving these goals.
• international alliance: Connect with other international networks and organizations focused on sustainability and expand the global impact of higher education institutions’ sustainability efforts.
collective action
The University Presidents Network for Sustainability is structured to ensure the fair and active participation of its members.
Its governance model consists of a Governing Council led by Dr. Maritza London, President of the Columbia Cooperative Universities, who is the Network Chair. Dr. Cecilia Paredes (Rector of Technical University of Littoral, Ecuador) was appointed as Network Director. Dr. María Augusta Hermida Palacios (Rector of the University of Cuenca, Ecuador) was appointed as the Network Secretary-General. And there is a secretariat, led by UNESCO IESALC, which coordinates efforts and projects among member institutions.
This governance structure supports inclusive decision-making and efficient execution of strategic actions and ensures that all members have a say in the direction of the network.
A core strength of the network is its ability to foster knowledge exchange, experience sharing and best practices among its members. University leaders are empowered to learn from each other, adopt innovative approaches, and collaborate on sustainability efforts that increase institutional and social impact.
This collective approach will enable higher education institutions to effectively address sustainability challenges while positioning themselves as catalysts for broader social change.
Growth and scalability
Looking to the future, the network envisions expanding its influence by strengthening strategic partnerships and extending its reach beyond Latin America and the Caribbean. Key priorities include developing customized programs to promote sustainability within member universities and establishing monitoring systems to assess progress and ensure sustained impact .
The network’s commitment to accountability includes implementing systems to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of its efforts. This focus on accountability enables continuous improvement and ensures that higher education institutions adopt and sustain sustainable practices that contribute to society in tangible and measurable ways.
Alliance for the future
The University Presidents Network for Sustainability represents a historic collaborative effort in Latin America and the Caribbean to promote sustainability as a fundamental mission in higher education. By fostering cross-sector collaboration, knowledge sharing and policy engagement, the network positions higher education institutions as key agents of change towards a sustainable future.
With a long-term vision and clear strategic objectives, the network aims to be a force for change not only in higher education but also in wider society. This work exemplifies the potential for universities to lead systemic change and contribute to more resilient, just and sustainable societies globally.
Author: Yuma Inzolia is Head of Capacity Development at UNESCO IESALC and Founder of the University Rector Network for Sustainability. Learn more here.
The original article was published in University World News
