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12/18/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 12/18/2024 10:45

Network of HE leaders takes aim at transformative change | University World News

Network of HE leaders takes aim at transformative change | University World News
The Network of University Presidents for Sustainability emerges as an initiative uniting university leaders across Latin America and the Caribbean
Sustainability Network
Canva
17 December 2024
Last update:18 December 2024
Higher education institutions play a central role in preparing future professionals to address today's complex global challenges. Amid crises like climate change, inequality and environmental degradation, higher education institutions are poised to lead transformative change toward sustainability.

In this context, the Network of University Presidents for Sustainability emerges as an initiative uniting university leaders across Latin America and the Caribbean, aiming to integrate sustainability at the core of higher education.

The network traces its origins to September 2023, when 15 university presidents from eight countries signed the Decalogue for University Sustainability during the conclusion of the Sustainable University Leadership and Governance programme.

This declaration underscores a collective commitment to advancing sustainability as a central pillar of university strategy in line with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The formal establishment of the network took place in August 2024 in Cartagena, Colombia, as a unique platform for institutional cooperation with support from the UNESCO International Institute for Higher Education in Latin America and the Caribbean (IESALC).

Mission: Leading change towards sustainability

The Network of University Presidents for Sustainability envisions higher education institutions as change agents, fostering societal transformation through education, research and community engagement.

The network's mission is to promote sustainability in higher education by strengthening cooperation between universities, the private sector and governments, and influencing public policy formulation that aligns with universities' sustainability goals and societal needs.

The network focuses on the following foundational pillars:

• University leadership: Promoting university leadership committed to sustainability that drives institutional transformation across governance, management and campus culture.

• Sustainable research and innovation: Encouraging research that addresses pressing global sustainability issues, facilitating knowledge transfer and fostering sustainable practices.

• Cross-sector collaboration: Strengthening collaborations between higher education institutions, private enterprises and governmental bodies to drive innovative, collaborative solutions to shared challenges.

• Influencing public policy: Actively engaging in policy design to ensure government decisions support sustainable development and align with higher education institution sustainability initiatives.

Strategic objectives

The network's strategic objectives guide its programmes and initiatives, ensuring a comprehensive approach to sustainability in higher education:

• Curriculum integration: The primary objective is embedding sustainability principles into academic curricula, equipping students to confront global challenges from a holistic, interdisciplinary perspective.

• Sustainable leadership and governance: Fostering transformative leadership among university leaders to incorporate governance practices that prioritise sustainability and drive systemic change.

• University-business-government partnerships: Establishing synergistic partnerships between academia, industry and government to amplify sustainable initiatives and maximise collective impact.

• Sustainable research support: Supporting research projects that address sustainable development challenges and cultivating knowledge networks to enable the spread of green technologies and best practices.

• SDG awareness: Raising awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals among students, faculty and communities, and reinforcing universities' pivotal role in achieving these goals.

• International alliances: Connecting with other international sustainability-focused networks and organisations to amplify the global impact of higher education institutions' sustainability initiatives.

Collective action

The Network of University Presidents for Sustainability is structured to ensure equitable and active member participation.

Its governance model comprises a governing council led by Dr Maritza Rondon, rector of Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia as network president; Dr Cecilia Paredes (rector of the Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, Ecuador) as network director; and Dr Maria Augusta Hermida Palacios (rector of Universidad de Cuenca, Ecuador) as network secretary; and an executive secretariat led by UNESCO IESALC, which coordinates initiatives 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 voice in the network's direction.

A core strength of the network is its capacity to facilitate knowledge exchange, shared experiences and best practices among its members. University leaders are empowered to learn from one another, adopt innovative approaches and collaborate on sustainability initiatives that elevate institutional and societal impact.

This collective approach allows higher education institutions to address sustainability challenges more effectively while positioning themselves as catalysts for broader societal transformation.

Growth and scalability

Looking ahead, the network envisions scaling its impact by strengthening strategic partnerships and extending its reach beyond Latin America and the Caribbean. Key priorities include developing tailored programmes to drive sustainability within member universities and establishing monitoring systems to assess progress and ensure sustained impact.

The network's commitment to accountability includes implementing systems for monitoring and evaluating its initiatives' effectiveness. This emphasis on accountability enables continuous improvement and ensures that higher education institutions adopt and uphold sustainable practices that contribute to society in tangible, measurable ways.

Alliance for the future

The Network of University Presidents for Sustainability represents a historic collective effort in Latin America and the Caribbean, advancing sustainability as a fundamental mission in higher education. By fostering cross-sectoral collaboration, knowledge-sharing and policy engagement, the network positions higher education institutions as essential agents of change for a sustainable future.

With a long-term vision and clear strategic goals, the network aims to be a transformative force, not only within higher education but also in broader society. This initiative exemplifies the potential of universities to lead systemic change, contributing to more resilient, equitable and sustainable societies on a global scale.

Author:Yuma Inzolia is chief of capacity development at UNESCO IESALC and Network of University Presidents for Sustainability founder. More information is available here.

Original article published in University World News