The Symposium Universities as Change Agents in Sustainable Development, which will be held in Tallinn in March 2026, is founded on the belief that the academic sector needs to move beyond siloed initiatives and theoretical discourse to become integrated, proactive, and measurable change agents. The event will provide a platform for forging new partnerships and co-creating actionable strategies that harness the full potential of universities to address the most pressing ecological, social, and economic challenges of our time.

Rationale for the Event    

The global pursuit of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) demands transformative action across all sectors of society. Universities, as hubs of knowledge creation, critical thinking, and future leadership, hold a unique and powerful position. They are not merely institutions of education but ecosystems capable of driving sustainability through research, teaching, operations, and community engagement.

The Symposium "Universities as Change Agents in Sustainable Development" is founded on the belief that the academic sector needs to move beyond siloed initiatives and theoretical discourse to become integrated, proactive, and measurable change agents. The event will provide a platform for forging new partnerships and co-creating actionable strategies that harness the full potential of universities to address the most pressing ecological, social, and economic challenges of our time.

Co-Chairs

• Vice-rector Katrin Saks, Tallinn University, Estonia
• Dr Katrin Männik, Tallinn University, Estonia
• Professor Walter Leal, HAW Hamburg, Germany

Important dates:

Deadline for submission of abstracts: 15th December 2025    
Deadline for registrations: 1st February 2026     
Deadline for full papers: 30th April 2026

For more information, please visit the symposium webpage.