Ruslan Kulikovsky, Vice-Rector of Zaporizhzhia Polytechnic National University, took part in the Annual Conference of the European University Association (EUA)
Pro-Rector of Zaporizhzhia Polytechnic National University Ruslan Kulikovsky took part in the Annual Conference of the European University Association (EUA), which began on April 10 at the University of Latvia (Riga). The theme of this year’s conference — «Connecting the dots on sustainable development and resilience» — is extremely relevant for Zaporizhzhia Polytechnic in view of our development strategy.
The first day of the conference began with the EUA General Assembly, open to representatives of member universities and affiliated organizations. The meeting discussed key issues for the development of the association and also saw the election of four new members of the EUA Council for the period 2025–2029.
The participants were welcomed by EUA President Josep Mariia Garrel, Rector of the University of Latvia Gundars Berzins, and representative of the Ministry of Education and Science of Latvia Lana Franceska.
The first plenary session, «The Role of Universities in Ensuring Sustainable Development,» brought together leading educators to discuss the impact of universities on achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Keynote speakers, including Professor Enrico Giovannini from the Italian University of Tor Vergata, highlighted the growing role of universities in shaping sustainable development strategies. As an example, the professor presented the Italian network of universities working towards sustainable development. This network includes over 80 universities actively involved in thematic groups on climate change, energy, mobility and social justice. The results of the implementation of sustainable development principles in the strategic plans of universities were also presented.
Professor Daniella Tilbury from the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe gave a presentation on the need to change the approaches of university leadership to the Sustainable Development Goals: they should be integrated not as a separate topic or project, but as a fundamental principle of direct leadership and strategic management of universities.
University representatives actively shared the practices and results of their own sustainable development strategies during thematic sections.
For example, representatives of the Tallinn University of Technology presented a strategy for achieving climate neutrality by 2035, which involves integrating sustainable practices into teaching, research and campus management. Colleagues from the National Polytechnic University of Armenia (NPUA) shared their experience in implementing sustainability principles as a continuous process, emphasizing the need to integrate these principles into curricula and research activities.
The conference paid special attention to crisis management. A roundtable of university leaders presented case studies on overcoming recent crises: the COVID-19 pandemic and cyberattacks. Participants discussed effective tools for decision-making and ensuring the resilience of university communities.
The first day of the conference concluded with a plenary session on ensuring attractive and sustainable academic careers. Participants discussed recommendations for creating an environment for talent development in higher education that combines stability, attractiveness and sustainability, which are important for the long-term success of universities.
Working together – developing together!
