From July 2nd to July 5th 2024, the University of Strasbourg hosted a significant study visit within the Erasmus+ KA2 Project “RE-GRAD” (Reforming Undergraduate Education for Green and Sustainable Development in Armenia and Moldova). Coordinated by the Technical University of Moldova, this project aims to focus on capacity-building training to integrate the European Green Deal and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into higher education policies and curricula.
The event brought together representatives of a consortium of 12 partners from 5 countries. Participants included members from the University of Strasbourg (France), Technical University of Moldova, “Bogdan Petriceicu Hasdeu” State University of Cahul, and the Ministry of Education and Research and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry France-Moldova Club France (Moldova), Yerevan State University, National University of Architecture and Construction of Armenia, Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport, and Centre for Education Policy and Management (Armenia), Transilvania University of Brasov (Romania), and University of Sannio and CESIE (Italy).
The study visit commenced with an opening ceremony at the University of Strasbourg’s Faculty of Economics and Management. Prof., Dr. Sophie BOLLINGER, the institutional coordinator of the RE-GRAD project at UNISTRA, kicked off the meeting and highlighted the importance of sustainable practices in higher education. Followed by speeches of Thierry Burger-Helmchen, Professor and Executive Vice President of Training Offer, and Irini Tsamadou-Jacoberger, Vice President for Europe and International Relations, who both underlined the university’s dedication to sustainability and international cooperation.
Prof., Dr. Nina PUȚUNTEAN, Head of International Relations Service, TUM and coordinator of the “RE-GRAD” project, gave an overview of the project, emphasizing its significance and objectives. The project aims to promote sustainable practices in higher education by implementing educational methods and strategies that support sustainability, raising awareness among students and teachers on the importance of sustainability and integrating the principles of sustainable development into the university curricula.
Cristina DIACONU, project manager of the “RE-GRAD” project, underlined the importance of the financial and legislative aspects related to the procurement of the necessary equipment and the organization of the tents. She also referred to the project deliverables uploaded on the EACEA platform, mentioning the amendments submitted and accepted, as well as the essential recommendations made by Rosalba NARDELLI, EACEA Project Officer.
Marika D’ANGELO and Jelena MAZAJ from CESIE discussed the Green Deal and its alignment with the SDGs, emphasizing the crucial role of higher education in achieving these global goals.
The training sessions were moderated by a panel of professors from the University of Strasbourg: Julien DELORD, Laurent SCHMITT, Stéphane VUILLEUMIER, Stéphane VUILLEUMIER, Sylvain PAYRAUDEAU and Karl Matthias WANTZEN. Covering a wide range of topics related to sustainable development and the ecological transition, the speakers shared their specific expertise and advanced knowledge in areas such as environmental protection, natural resource management, green policies and sustainable technologies. The aim of these sessions was to provide participants with up-to-date information and practical tools to support and implement sustainable initiatives within their educational institutions and local communities. In doing so, the University of Strasbourg demonstrated its commitment to promoting knowledge and practices that contribute to the green transition and a sustainable future.
On July 3, project consortium members participated in sessions led by Amélie BARBIER-GAUCHARD, who discussed climate action in the European Union and provided a detailed analysis of the achievements and challenges facing EU climate policies. She highlighted both the successes achieved so far and the challenges to be overcome to reach the climate targets set.
Codruța JALIU from Transilvania University of Brasov also presented policies related to the Green Deal and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Romania. His presentation emphasized how these policies are being implemented at national level, highlighting the initiatives and measures taken to ensure an effective and sustainable green transition.
The visit to the Port of Strasbourg included presentations given by Frédérique RYCKELYNCK, Head of Cabinet at the Directorate General of Ports in Strasbourg, and Yasmine KERTZINGER, Head of Green Transition. The presentations highlighted the port’s initiatives in the field of industrial and territorial ecology, as well as efforts to promote sustainable practices in port activities. Specific strategies and projects implemented to facilitate the port’s green transition were also elucidated, including the collaborations and partnerships established with various organizations and institutions to develop innovative solutions in the field of industrial ecology and to create a sustainable development model that serves as an example for other ports and regions.
On July 4th, the sessions continued at the Faculty of Economics and Management and at IUT Louis Pasteur. Marc VEDRINES addressed sustainable development in engineering education, and Marion ROULLET and Pauline BRUNNER presented a case study on the “CIRCULR” Workshop. Eulalia BALESTRIERI from the University of Sannio provided insights on the Green Deal in Italy. At IUT Louis Pasteur, Aurélie MARTIN presented initiatives to promote sustainability, and Michel GAVIGNON spoke about the “Gim Eole” project. Maud VILLAIN-GAMBIER detailed the “Brasser’IUT” educational project, combining brewing techniques with sustainability education.
The “RE-GRAD” project activities concluded on July 5 with a visit to the European Parliament, where participants had the opportunity to explore the heart of the European decision-making process and better understand sustainability policies. This experience gave them first-hand insight into how sustainability policies are formulated and implemented at EU level.
The “RE-GRAD” study visit was a remarkable success, reinforcing the exchange of best practices and sustainable initiatives between the participating universities. This initiative was crucial for sharing knowledge and experiences in the field of sustainability, highlighting the diversity of strategies and projects implemented by each institution in support of sustainable development. Participants had the opportunity to learn from each other, discuss common challenges and identify innovative solutions to environmental problems.
The training took place in a hybrid format, with 33 people in physical presence and 17 online. In addition, the visit contributed significantly to strengthening international collaboration, laying the foundations for sustainable partnerships to promote a greener and more sustainable future for all universities involved. Thus, the “RE-GRAD” project has achieved its objectives of advancing sustainability in higher education and strengthening links between institutions globally.
