Empowering young people to take action for sustainable development

To highlight the essential role of academia in empowering young people as active agents in sustainable development processes, the Faculty of Philosophy at the University “St. Cyril and Methodius” is proud to announce the start of the 8th International Week on SDGs yesterday, in collaboration with the United Nations (UN).  

Under the title “Fostering Youth Excellence: The Contribution of Social Sciences and Humanities Sciences in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”, the event will bring together university professors, UN country team members, researchers, and students in a joint academic and social debate on the role of youth as drivers of sustainable and inclusive societies. The main goal of the International Week is to promote interdisciplinary cooperation and knowledge exchange in support of sustainable and inclusive social development.

In conjunction with the launch of the International Week, the SustainED University Coalition was officially unveiled today. This coalition, established by eight accredited universities in partnership with the United Nations, is committed to embedding Sustainable Development Goals within academic curricula, research, and student engagement initiatives. 

The members of the SustainEd University Coalition include Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje (UKIM), Goce Delčev University – Štip (UGD), South-East European University – Tetovo (SEEU), St. Clement of Ohrid University – Bitola (UKLO), Mother Teresa University – Skopje (MTU), International Balkan University (IBU), University American College Skopje (UACS), and University of Tetovo (State University of Tetova – UT). The SustainED Coalition aims to institutionalize and coordinate the contribution of higher education institutions to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals. Through the coalition, researchers and students can develop advanced solutions to sustainability challenges, helping to shape the country’s path toward sustainable development.   

The Rector of the “Ss. Cyril and Methodius” University in Skopje, Prof. Dr. Biljana Angelova, emphasized that universities play a crucial role in building sustainable and inclusive societies. 

“Excellence among young people encompasses not only academic achievement, but also ethical responsibility, critical thinking, and active contribution to the community. Through the Center for Sustainable Development and its active role in the SustainED University Coallition , the University is institutionalizing its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals,” Angelova said. 

The Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy, Prof. Dr. Oliver Bakreski, noted that fostering excellence among young people is a strategic priority of the Faculty and a key contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. He highlighted that the cooperation with the United Nations is grounded in shared values – dignity, equality, and sustainable development.

“We believe that SustainEd will move the academic ecosystem from isolated activities toward a consolidated and strengthened effort of universities - researchers and students alike - to advance the country’s path towards sustainability,” says Rita Columbia, UN Resident Coordinator in North Macedonia. 

By bringing together universities, the UN Country Team, government institutions, and students under one coordinated framework, SustainEd transforms existing collaboration into a measurable, strategic national contribution to sustainable development.

To ensure accountability and measurable impact, the Coalition will establish an Academia SDG Dashboard, which will map SDG-related research, teaching, student engagement, and joint initiatives across member universities, enabling structured tracking of progress, visibility of academic contributions, and evidence-based dialogue with government and the UN system.