Service Details
ABOUT
Higher education institutions from Europe (University of Bologna, University of Helsinki, KU Leuven) and Sub-Saharan Africa (University of Johannesburg, University of Kinshasa, University of Nairobi) are involved in the European Union-funded project, UnaVEx. An international, interdisciplinary, and intercultural online bridge between European and African students for sustainability education is co-designed and implemented by UnaVEx for Sustainability.
The goal of UnaVEx is to bring together 2,500 students from leading African and European universities. Its objective is to create an environment where creativity and cultural diversity come together to address the most pressing issues of our time, such as the biodiversity catastrophe, global inequality, and climate change.
We have co-developed a sustainability-focused educational curriculum with six top colleges. We provide top-notch instruction through virtual exchanges (MOOCs) that prepare students to be tomorrow's sustainable advocates.
Following the Virtual Exchange unit, you can proceed with the Micro-Credential courses at your own pace. You will learn to analyse sustainability and its importance and impacts through an interdisciplinary lens. Upon completing the Micro-Credential program, you will have a foundational understanding of sustainability from ecological, social, and economic perspectives.
Micro-Credential in Sustainability is a 10 ECTS online unit designed for your personal and professional growth in sustainability. This micro-credential comprises five MOOCs aligned with the themes such as:
- Sustainability and the Arts (1 ECTS)
- Climate now (2 ECTS)
- Political Economy of Sustainability (2 ECTS)
- Biodiversity now (2 ECTS)
Empowering young researchers
UnaVEx provides young researchers with the chance to advance their professional and cross-disciplinary abilities in addition to an educational curriculum. We provide training to facilitators of virtual exchanges, enabling them to steer influential conversations and promote international cooperation.
Value Higher Education
Higher education that cuts beyond national borders and acknowledges the interconnectedness of global issues is valued by UnaVEx. UnaVEx brings together bright minds to create a positive global impact in response to students' increasing need for more international and intercultural learning.
Outcome
Fostering a new generation of Climate Messengers, who are adept at advocating for sustainability practices and climate awareness in their home organisations and future professions. Therefore, in addition to addressing the larger political landscape, where the Neighbourhood East region plays a critical global role and new Climate Messengers could fill a critical expertise gap in the job market, the Virtual Exchange (VE) collaboration enhances current physical mobility opportunities in climate change research.