17.2.5
Policy on Collaboration with Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
1. Purpose
This policy outlines the University of Thessaly’s framework for collaboration with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to support the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It aims to strengthen university–civil society partnerships through student volunteering, joint research, and educational programme development that contribute to sustainable social, economic, and environmental outcomes.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
– All University units, departments, and research centers engaging in SDG-related cooperation with NGOs.
– Collaboration mechanisms such as community engagement, volunteering, joint research, and co-development of learning materials.
– Activities carried out at local, regional, national, or international levels.
– Partnerships aligned with the University’s mission, ethics, and sustainability strategy.
3. Definitions
– NGO (Non-Governmental Organisation): A non-profit, civil society organisation operating independently from government, engaged in advocacy, development, or service delivery related to social or environmental goals.
– Volunteering Programme: A structured initiative through which students and staff contribute time and skills to NGO-led community projects.
– Collaborative Research: Joint academic inquiry between the University and NGO partners aimed at generating data, evidence, or innovations that support SDG implementation.
– Educational Resource Co-Development: Creation of curricula, materials, or training content collaboratively designed by the University and NGO partners.
– SDG Partnership: A formal or informal cooperation advancing one or more UN Sustainable Development Goals.
4. Policy Statement
The University of Thessaly affirms its commitment to building mutually beneficial, transparent, and ethical partnerships with NGOs that advance sustainable development. To this end, the University shall:
1. Collaborate with NGOs to design and implement student volunteering programmes addressing local and global sustainability challenges.
2. Develop joint research projects with NGOs focusing on SDG-related issues, including poverty alleviation, health, education, environment, and equality.
3. Co-create educational and outreach materials to raise public awareness and promote sustainable practices.
4. Facilitate internship and service-learning opportunities for students within NGO initiatives.
5. Support the integration of NGO collaboration outcomes into teaching, research, and community engagement.
6. Ensure all partnerships are governed by principles of transparency, reciprocity, and ethical compliance.
7. Recognize and celebrate exemplary NGO collaborations through University reporting and public communication.
5. Implementation Responsibilities
The Rector’s Office oversees implementation. Responsibilities include:
– Establishing partnership agreements (MoUs) with NGOs.
– Coordinating volunteering and research activities.
– Ensuring compliance with legal, ethical, and data protection standards.
– Monitoring the impact of collaborations through qualitative and quantitative indicators.
– Supporting academic staff and students in developing NGO engagement projects.
– Reporting annually on partnerships to the Senate Committee on Sustainability and Outreach.
6. Ethical and Operational Principles
All collaborations under this policy must ensure:
– Compliance with the University’s Code of Ethics and national laws.
– Respect for human rights, diversity, and inclusion.
– Transparency in financial and operational arrangements.
– Clear definition of roles, responsibilities, and intellectual property rights.
– Mutual recognition of contributions between the University and NGOs.
7. Monitoring and Reporting
The Office of Public Relations shall prepare an Annual NGO Collaboration Report, including:
– Active NGO partnerships and activities conducted.
– Number of participating students and staff.
– Key outcomes, research outputs, and educational resources developed.
– Community and environmental impact indicators.
– Recommendations for future improvement.
The report shall be presented to the Committee on Sustainability and Outreach and incorporated into the Annual Sustainability Report.
8. Review and Amendment
This policy shall be reviewed every three (3) years or earlier as necessary. Revisions shall be proposed by the Rector’s Office and approved by the Governing Council.
9. References and Compliance Frameworks
– Greek Law 4957/2022 on Higher Education Governance
– UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
– UNESCO Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) Framework
– EU Civil Society Cooperation Programme
– HAHE ESG 1.4 (External Engagement)
– OECD Guidelines on Partnerships for Sustainable Development