This policy establishes the University of Thessaly\u2019s institutional commitment to international collaboration for the identification, development, and dissemination of best practices in addressing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It aims to promote comparative research, policy innovation, and inter-university cooperation that contribute to global progress on sustainable development through shared learning and applied knowledge.<\/p>\n
This policy applies to:
\n– All University departments, research centers, and administrative units engaged in sustainability-related research or international partnerships.
\n– Collaborations that support benchmarking, data exchange, or comparative evaluation of SDG initiatives.
\n– Joint participation in international research projects, conferences, and policy dialogues addressing SDG implementation.
\n– The development of institutional frameworks and tools that facilitate continuous improvement in SDG-related teaching, research, and operations.<\/p>\n
– SDG Best Practice: A proven and effective method, approach, or initiative that demonstrates measurable impact toward one or more SDGs and can be replicated in different contexts.
\n– Benchmarking: The process of comparing institutional policies or performance metrics against international standards or peer institutions.
\n– Comparative Research: Collaborative inquiry that examines the effectiveness of sustainability strategies across different countries or sectors.
\n– Knowledge Exchange: The sharing of methodologies, results, and lessons learned across academic and policy networks.
\n– International Partnership: A formal or informal agreement between UTH and external institutions for research, education, or policy engagement related to the SDGs.<\/p>\n
The University of Thessaly recognizes that global challenges require collaborative, evidence-based, and cross-sectoral approaches. To this end, the University shall:
\n1. Actively engage in international collaborations aimed at identifying and disseminating best practices for SDG achievement.
\n2. Participate in comparative research projects that evaluate policy and institutional responses to sustainability issues.
\n3. Develop and maintain a repository of international best practices relevant to higher education and sustainable development.
\n4. Integrate global insights into the University\u2019s teaching, research, and governance frameworks.
\n5. Contribute expertise to international policy dialogues and sustainability platforms (e.g., UN SDSN, EUA, OECD).
\n6. Promote reciprocal partnerships that facilitate the co-creation of innovative SDG solutions.
\n7. Ensure that collaboration outcomes are documented, evaluated, and disseminated through University reports and publications.<\/p>\n
The Rector\u2019s Office shall oversee policy implementation. Responsibilities include:
\n– Identifying and maintaining international partnerships supporting SDG research and policy exchange.
\n– Coordinating University participation in EU and global sustainability networks.
\n– Monitoring outcomes of collaborative projects and disseminating results.
\n– Supporting faculty and researchers in designing comparative studies and grant applications.
\n– Reporting institutional contributions to global SDG benchmarking exercises (e.g., THE Impact Rankings, QS Sustainability Rankings).
\n– Maintaining alignment with national and European sustainability frameworks.<\/p>\n
All collaborations under this policy shall adhere to:
\n– Academic independence, mutual respect, and equitable participation.
\n– Compliance with GDPR, intellectual property regulations, and international research ethics standards.
\n– Transparent governance and responsible data management.
\n– Recognition of all contributors in joint outputs.
\n– Promotion of diversity, inclusion, and cross-disciplinary engagement in SDG research.<\/p>\n
The Office of Public Relations shall compile an Annual Report on SDG Best Practice Collaboration, which includes:
\n– Active international partnerships and projects.
\n– Comparative research findings and best practice models identified.
\n– Publications, events, and policy contributions.
\n– Measurable outcomes demonstrating impact.
\nThis report shall be reviewed by the Committee on Sustainability and integrated into the University\u2019s Annual Sustainability Report.<\/p>\n
This policy shall be reviewed every three (3) years or earlier if required by international developments or institutional priorities. Amendments shall be proposed by the Rector\u2019s Office and approved by the Governing Council.<\/p>\n
– Greek Law 4957\/2022 on Higher Education Governance
\n– United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
\n– EU Green Deal and Horizon Europe Programme
\n– HAHE ESG 1.4 (External Engagement)
\n– OECD Guidelines on Research Collaboration and Policy Innovation
\n– European University Association (EUA) SDG Engagement Charter<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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