NURE discussed the implementation of sustainable development strategies in the context of European integration and post-war reconstruction of Ukraine
In accordance with letter No. 3/1734-26 dated 02.03.2026 from the Ministry of Education and Science, a meeting of the sustainable development committee was held at Kharkiv National University of Radio Electronics, dedicated to the implementation of sustainable development principles in educational, scientific and managerial activities. The meeting was held in a mixed format and in accordance with the instructions of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, as part of the implementation of the Strategy for the Development of Higher Education in Ukraine for 2022-2032.
The key event of the meeting was the presentation of the document “Guidelines with recommendations for the development of a sustainable development strategy in Ukrainian universities in conditions of limited funding during martial law and post-war reconstruction in Ukraine”. This document was developed as part of the international project TransLearnN – Transformational Learning Network for Resilience – Enabling Ukrainian higher education to ensure a sustainable and robust reconstruction of (post-war) Ukraine, which is being implemented with the support of the Erasmus+ programme with the participation of Ukrainian and European universities.
The TransLearnN project aims to strengthen the capacity of Ukrainian higher education to ensure sustainable and robust post-war reconstruction of the country. The project is developing a transformational learning network for sustainability that brings together universities, communities and businesses to address pressing social and environmental challenges.
The presented Guidelines accumulate the best international and national experience and are aimed at:
- Implementing a holistic strategic approach to the sustainable development of universities;
- Integrating environmental, social and economic components into the management system of higher education institutions;
- Supporting institutional transformation of universities during Ukraine’s recovery period;
- Orienting strategic development towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals and European approaches to governance;
- Strengthening the role of universities as drivers of social sustainability.
During the discussion, First Vice-Rector Andriy YEROKHIN noted the high level of relevance of the Guidelines to today’s challenges. Sustainable development is becoming crucial for Ukrainian higher education institutions, including NURE, in the context of post-war recovery, as there is a need not only for physical restoration of infrastructure, but also for the formation of new models of social and economic development, which in turn requires a review of the role of the university.
The meeting participants emphasised the special role of universities as centres of knowledge, innovation and social leadership in post-war Ukraine. Higher education institutions should become not only educational institutions, but also engines of recovery, capable of generating knowledge to solve problems of infrastructure, the environment and social unity; providing applied solutions for devastated regions in the fields of energy efficiency, sustainable construction and agricultural innovation; educate a new generation of sustainable and ethically-oriented leaders capable of leading the country on the path of sustainable development in the European space; promote the psychosocial adaptation of students, especially those from affected areas.
Following the meeting, the Committee decided to recommend that the university management take into account the provisions of the Guidelines when updating the NURE Strategy and when planning educational, scientific, and innovative activities. It was also proposed to begin implementing institutional policies that will promote the integration of NURE into the European Higher Education Area in line with sustainable development.