International Project SUSTAIN Launched!

International Project SUSTAIN Launched: Škoda Auto Vysoká škola Leads a Consortium of Partners from Europe and the Indo‑Pacific Region. 

Škoda Auto Vysoká škola has launched a new international project titled Sustainable Universities for Society Through Action, Innovation, and Knowledge Networks (SUSTAIN), co‑funded by the Erasmus+ Capacity Building for Higher Education programme. The project officially commenced with an online kick-off meeting, marking the beginning of a three‑year collaboration across two continents.

Škoda Auto Vysoká škola serves as the project coordinator, leading a consortium of partners from Europe and the Indo‑Pacific region:

• University of Dubrovnik (Croatia)
• The European Society for Socio-Economic Integration (Belgium)
• Banking Academy (Vietnam)
• Phu Yen University (Vietnam)
• Bac Giang Agriculture and Forestry University (Vietnam)
• Islamic University of Maldives (Maldives)
• Zikura International College (Maldives)

The SUSTAIN project focuses on strengthening the so‑called third mission of universities – their active engagement in societal and socio‑economic development. Its primary aim is to support universities in Vietnam and the Maldives in developing institutional capacities, enhancing stakeholder cooperation, and integrating sustainability, corporate social responsibility (CSR), diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), and green solutions into their governance, teaching, and community engagement.

“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, as the exchange of experience enables universities to develop their capacities more effectively and implement sustainable solutions. Our goal is to support partner institutions in contributing to a sustainable future for their regions in the long term,” said Assoc. Prof. Pavel Štrach, the project’s academic supervisor.

Special attention is given to universities located outside major international hubs, which often have limited access to global cooperation and Erasmus+ opportunities. The project contributes to reducing disparities in international engagement and reinforces the role of these institutions in regional development.

Key project outputs include a model for institutional capacity building, jointly developed tools for third‑mission strategies, comprehensive sustainability learning materials, and a practical toolkit for inclusive universities. These outputs will be supported by structured mobilities and international collaboration to ensure long‑term integration of sustainability and community engagement principles.

The SUSTAIN project aligns with the European Union’s priorities in environmental sustainability, inclusion, and civic engagement.