Relationships with regional NGOs and government for SDG policy

CUT plays a key role in shaping national policies aligned with the SDGs through partnerships with government departments, municipalities, and NGOs. CUT academics contribute data-driven insights and expert recommendations to influence public policy and promote sustainable development locally and regionally. Through research, innovative solutions, and impact assessments, CUT supports evidence-based decision-making and adaptive strategies for sustainable progress.

CUT participates in national strategy committees, scientific advisory groups, and working groups focused on public health priorities, such as maternal and neonatal health, patient satisfaction, and the General Healthcare System. Additionally, the university collaborates with the Municipality of Limassol in the European Mission 100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities, and works with the Cyprus UNESCO National Committee through the UNESCO Chair for Digital Cultural Heritage at CUT to digitise and preserve cultural heritage artefacts, sights and intangible material.

Cross sectoral dialogue about SDGs

CUT actively engages in cross-sectoral dialogue on the SDGs through collaborations with government bodies, NGOs, and other organizations. Notable examples include hosting the Cyprus Talks Green conferences, which united policymakers, businesses, and experts to discuss green transition, climate change, and sustainable urban development, focusing on renewable energy and carbon reduction. CUT also participated in the EUMMAS A2S Conference on sustainability, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration aligned with SDG 4 and SDG 17. Additionally, CUT collaborates with the Zero Waste Alliance of Europe, exemplified by a meeting at Limassol Town Hall that promoted SDG 12 through zero-waste strategies. In healthcare, CUT contributes to national committees addressing SDG 3, focusing on breastfeeding, caesarean section reduction, and mental health strategies, advancing sustainable public health solutions.

International collaboration for data gathering for SDGs

Through international collaborations and participation in networks such as EUt+ (European University of Technology– an alliance of nine technological universities across Europe), CUT actively engages in a range of research and innovation initiatives to address global challenges, advance SDG-driven practices, and foster sustainable development.

As part of its involvement in the EUt+ framework, CUT has designed and developed an integrated system to monitor and evaluate the consortium’s research impact on the SDGs. This system features two dedicated dashboards designed to compile all publications and funded projects within the consortium. By systematically categorising these outputs according to the SDGs, the system provides a robust tool for tracking, analysing, and visualising the consortium’s contributions to sustainable development in terms of scientific publications and research grants. This initiative enhances data-driven decision-making and showcases the measurable progress of research efforts in addressing global challenges.

Collaboration for SDG best practice

CUT actively collaborates internationally to develop global best practices for addressing the SDGs. It participates in leading networks and other international organisations like ISCN, AASHE, and EIT Climate-KIC to promote sustainable development. As part of the EUt+ alliance, CUT drives initiatives like ESSLab+ (Sustainability Science Lab), which advances sustainability knowledge and methods, and the EUt+ Green Office, fostering collaboration for an inclusive, equitable, and sustainable university model.

CUT academics also engage in interdisciplinary research with global partners, NGOs, and industry, addressing challenges in health, sustainable infrastructure, circular manufacturing, digital frameworks, and earth observation. Notable projects include COMFORTage, HYPER-AI, CIRCULOOS, EPISTEAM, and initiatives at the Eratosthenes Centre of Excellence. These efforts promote sustainability education and innovation across Europe and beyond.

Collaboration with NGOs for SDGs

CUT collaborates with NGOs to support the United Nations SDGS through initiatives in student volunteering, research, and education. Students participate in environmental and social projects like a beach cleanup for SDG 14 and the FemPower Summer School promoting SDG 5. Research partnerships include the Co-OPERATOR Project, enhancing COVID-19 vaccination strategies (SDG 3), the Forest Therapy Hub, focusing on sustainability and mental well-being, and the CIRCULOOS Project, advancing sustainable production and circular manufacturing (SDG 12). The Althea Project supports mental health for cancer patients and caregivers (SDG 3). Additionally, CUT develops educational resources such as the EMPACT Curriculum and TDP4HE Program, contributing to SDG 4. These efforts demonstrate CUT’s dedication to sustainable development through collaboration and innovation.

Education for SDGs: commitment to meaningful education

CUT demonstrates its commitment to achieving the SDGs through its vision, mission, and values, implemented across all organisational levels. The SDGs Committee and the Learning Development Network (LDN) collaborate to align policies with the SDGs and integrate SDG education into various activities. All students (BSc, MSc, PhD) are exposed to SDG principles through courses and modules. In 2023, CUT launched a new program to fund small internal programs promoting SDG-centered teaching, with eligibility criteria tied to the CUT’s strategic goals and the 17 SDGs. Sustainability education is offered during staff and student inductions and through events. The ESSLab+ of the EUt+ alliance advances SDGs via research and education, embodying the motto “Think human and all living beings first.” CUT’s research labs and the Eratosthenes CoE address SDG priorities through interdisciplinary efforts, offering SDG-focused thesis projects and fostering meaningful education for sustainability.

Education for SDGs: specific courses on sustainability

CUT is committed to integrating the SDGs into its educational programs, with many B.Sc. and M.Sc. curricula embedding SDGs into core learning outcomes. Departments offer dedicated courses integrated across full curricula, such as ABF 200 (Ecology and Conservation of Biodiversity), CIV 215 (Sustainability and Environmental Concepts), and CEN 428 (Environmental Legislation). An interdisciplinary approach is emphasised in CIV 215 (Sustainable Innovation and Entrepreneurship for Technical Applications). Most of these courses are often compulsory for department students and available as electives to others. Moreover, key programs addressing SDGs include the BSc in Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology and Food Science, BSc in Chemical Engineering, BSc in Civil Engineering, MSc in Public Health, and MSc in Energy Systems. Additionally, through the EUt+ alliance, CUT leads efforts to develop an interdisciplinary, multinational BSc in Sustainable Development.

Education for SDGs in the wider community

CUT offers diverse educational initiatives to engage the wider community, including local residents, alumni, and displaced individuals, raising awareness and promoting SDGs:

Open University Lecture Series: Enhancing knowledge, skills, and critical thinking on topics like entrepreneurship, AI, and innovation, prioritising remote communities.
Speed Dating with the 17 SDGs: An interactive workshop fostering connections and collaboration around SDGs.
Summer School for Doctoral Students: A one-week program on sustainable development, research, and cultural exchange, with projects addressing SDGs.
e-Fikardou: A digital platform preserving Fikardou’s heritage, promoting cultural education and engagement.
Patient Triage Training: Boosting healthcare skills for professionals and the community to improve emergency response.
English Courses for Displaced Ukrainians: Hybrid courses in finance and IT enhancing language skills for displaced individuals.

Sustainability literacy

CUT is committed to enhancing sustainability literacy among students and has taken proactive steps to measure it. To achieve this, the university will utilise Sulitest, an innovative online platform designed to mainstream sustainability literacy across educational institutions. Sulitest allows for a comprehensive assessment of students’ understanding of sustainability, aligning with global sustainability goals and practices. This tool will be made available to all academics, enabling seamless integration into their syllabi across various disciplines. By embedding Sulitest within its academic framework, CUT aims to systematically evaluate and improve its students’ knowledge of sustainability issues, empowering them to become informed and responsible global citizens (see https://www.sulitest.org/ for an example of training programs we are looking at for that purpose). Through this initiative, CUT demonstrates its dedication to fostering a sustainable future while equipping students with the literacy needed to address environmental, social, and economic challenges effectively.