Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are increasingly recognized as key actors in addressing
the climate crisis and advancing sustainable development. This paper provides an overview
of the role played by international academic collaborations and networks in promoting
green education globally. It highlights the interplay between transnational partnerships,
academic mobility, and policy-based efforts, particularly within the European and global
contexts.
Technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) support the delivery of green education through
personalized learning paths, sustainability reporting automation, and enhanced
international research collaboration.
The European Strategy for Universities (2022) and the European Green Deal position
sustainability as a guiding principle in modern higher education. EU programs such as
Erasmus+, Horizon Europe, and the European Universities Alliances contribute to
sustainability-oriented curricula and innovation frameworks. These align with the EU
Council Recommendation on Learning for Environmental Sustainability (2022), promoting
systemic changes in educational institutions for green transition.
Globally, SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 13 (Climate Action) form the framework for
sustainability education under the UN 2030 Agenda, supported by UNESCO’s Greening
Education Partnership. International treaties like the Paris Agreement (2015) and Article 6
of the UNFCCC reinforce education’s role in climate action. This paper also discusses
institutional case studies and remaining challenges such as accreditation gaps, unequal
participation, and funding disparities. It offers recommendations for inclusive frameworks
that empower HEIs to act as global leaders in sustainability.
Keywords: Green Education, Internationalization, Higher Education Mobility, EU
Sustainability Policy, UN SDGs, Global Partnerships
JEL Classification: I23, Q01, F63, O35