Home | News | 25.02.2026

The University Coalition SustainED was launched as part of
at the 8th International Week dedicated to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2026 "Fostering youth
excellence“

Yesterday, 23 February 2026, at the Faculty of Philosophy of the
The University "St. Cyril and Methodius" in Skopje was officially established.
The university coalition SustainED – a joint initiative of eight
accredited universities in partnership with the United Nations, whose aim is
Institutionalisation and coordination of the contribution of higher education to
the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The establishment of the Coalition was held as part of the ceremony.
opening of the 8th International Week 2026, which this year is being held under
Title: Fostering Youth Excellence: The Contribution of
the social and humanities sciences in achieving the goals for sustainable
development.
The SustainED Coalition represents a joint platform for integration.
on sustainability in curricula, scientific research and
student engagement. Through this initiative, universities will develop
Interdisciplinary approaches and innovative solutions for current societal issues
challenges, strengthening the role of higher education in the processes of
Sustainable development at national and regional level.
The Rector of the University "St. Cyril and Methodius" in Skopje, Prof. Dr.
Biljana Angelova emphasised that universities have a key responsibility in
the shaping of sustainable and inclusive societies.
„Excellence among young people is not measured only by academic
achievements, but also through ethical responsibility, critical thinking and active
contribution to the community. Through the Centre for Sustainable Development and an active role in
The university coalition SustainED: the university institutionalises it.
her commitment to the sustainable development goals," emphasised Rector Angelova.
The United Nations Resident Coordinator in the Republic of North Macedonia
Macedonia, Mrs Rita Colombia, welcomed the initiative, emphasising that
Partnership with universities is essential for accelerating
sustainable development.
„Young people are key drivers of the transformation towards a more sustainable and
a fairer society. Through this coalition, the academic community gains
a structured opportunity to actively contribute to national and global
development priorities," Columbia stressed.

Members of the SustainED Coalition are: the University "St. Cyril and Methodius"„
in Skopje, Goce Delchev University – Štip, University of Southeast
Europe – Tetovo, University "St. Clement of Ohrid" – Bitola, University
„"Mother Teresa" – Skopje, International Balkan University,
American College University Skopje and the University of Tetovo.
8th International Week 2026 ("Fostering Youth Excellence: The Contribution
of Social Sciences and Humanities in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals –
SDGs), which includes lectures, panel discussions and interactive sessions with participation
of distinguished professors, international experts, representatives of the agencies of
The United Nations, diplomatic representatives and students from several countries have
to foster in-depth interdisciplinary collaboration and substantive
exchange of knowledge towards sustainable and inclusive social development. Through
academic dialogue and practical examples, the Week affirms the role of
young people as key drivers of positive societal transformations and
active actors in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, while simultaneously confirming
the strategic commitment of UGJK to quality, responsible and socially
Engaged higher education.