Scientific cooperation between Europe and its international partners has long been a cornerstone of global progress. Within the realm of sustainability education, collaborative efforts have played a crucial role in advancing knowledge, fostering innovation, and developing solutions for pressing regional and global challenges. As higher education institutions increasingly integrate sustainability into their curricula, new approaches—particularly through digital and international teaching—have emerged as transformative forces in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
To further explore these developments and promote dialogue among scholars, educators, and institutional leaders, the "Global Sustainability Education: Innovations in Digital & International Teaching" symposium has been established. This event will provide an international platform for experts to exchange insights, showcase innovative teaching models, and discuss strategies for embedding sustainability into higher education through digital and cross-border learning initiatives.
The symposium is organized within the framework of the DiTTS (Digital Introduction of the Sustainable Development Goals into Higher Education Teaching) project,a collaboration between UPF (Brazil), Unisa (South Africa), and HAW Hamburg (Germany). Supported by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), DiTTS aims to develop open-access educational materials that introduce students to the SDGs, incorporating perspectives from both the Global South and Global North. Through digital learning resources contextualized for regional challenges and translated into multiple languages, the project seeks to maximize outreach and impact, equipping students with the knowledge and tools to contribute to the 2030 Agenda.
As part of this initiative, the symposium will highlight the role of open educational resources (OER), digital pedagogies, and international collaboration in shaping the next generation of sustainability leaders. Key topics will include:
- Innovative digital tools and methodologies for teaching sustainability
- Experiences from the Global South and North in integrating the SDGs into higher education curricula
- The role of cross-institutional and international partnerships in sustainability education
- Best practices in online and blended learning to engage students in sustainability topics
- Challenges and opportunities in scaling digital sustainability education across regions
The event will bring together educators, researchers, and policymakers to share experiences, foster new collaborations, and explore how digital and international teaching strategies can enhance sustainability education worldwide.
In addition to the discussions held during the symposium, selected contributions will be compiled in a peer-reviewed publication, ensuring that key insights and innovations are documented and widely disseminated. This publication will serve as a reference for institutions looking to strengthen their sustainability teaching and expand digital learning initiatives.
By mobilizing academic communities worldwide, the "Global Sustainability Education: Innovations in Digital & International Teaching" symposium aims to foster dialogue, strengthen partnerships, and accelerate the transformation of higher education for a more sustainable and inclusive future.
