On 16 December 2025, SPHERE  Virtual Study visit brought together academic and administrative staff, university leadership, students, and stakeholders to explore how higher education can advance teaching and learning for sustainable development. The event offered an in-depth institutional case study of a regional public university in Spain, highlighting how sustainability was embedded across strategy, pedagogy, research, and international cooperation.

The programme presented how a regional university positioned sustainable development as a core mission linked to regional growth and community engagement. Participants gained insights into institutional strategies, research-led approaches, and innovative pedagogical practices that supported the development of sustainability competencies among students and staff.

A strong focus was placed on international cooperation, showcasing collaborative models such as European university alliances, internship programmes, and service-learning initiatives that connected teaching, research, and society. Dedicated sessions also highlighted student perspectives, illustrating how learners actively contributed to sustainability initiatives and benefited from international collaboration.

The study visit further examined staff development approaches and current European trends in teaching and learning for sustainable development, offering participants a broader policy and practice context. Interactive elements, including live discussions, chat engagement, and Q&A sessions, were integrated throughout the programme to encourage active participation and shared reflection.

Overall, the virtual event provided a comprehensive and practice-oriented exploration of how universities can create supportive environments for acquiring the competencies needed to address sustainability challenges, while reinforcing their role as key actors in regional and international development.

For more information on SPHERE activities please visit SPHERE Community website.