Interuniversity cooperation is a strategic pathway to strengthen higher education in the face of global challenges such as climate change and inequality. Universities, as generators of knowledge and international networks, play a key role in social transformation.
UNED has embraced this commitment through its International Strengthening Plan, which promotes solidarity projects, overseas centers, and UNESCO Chairs. Notable initiatives include “Teachers in Africa” and support for centers in Equatorial Guinea.
In the field of sustainability, interuniversity cooperation has gained special relevance. It is essential for universities to adopt institutional policies that integrate environmental, social, and economic criteria into their management, teaching, and research. These policies not only guide internal actions but also reinforce the institutions’ commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to society as a whole.
The Cadi Ayyad University (UCA) in Marrakesh has taken strong steps in this direction. It has established the National Center for Studies and Research on Water and Energy (CNEREE) and the Center for Inclusive Education and Social Responsibility (CEIRS), which promote applied research and educational inclusion. Its academic offerings include specialized programs in climate change, biodiversity, sustainable tourism, and territorial governance, all aligned with the SDGs. These programs aim to train leaders committed to sustainable development, capable of addressing environmental and social challenges in their communities. Additionally, UCA has promoted university social responsibility initiatives and integrated sustainability into its institutional management model.
UNED, for its part, has developed an ambitious sustainability policy based on the 2030 Agenda. This includes actions such as energy-efficient renovations of its facilities—with improvements exceeding 30%—promotion of self-consumption, LED lighting, and the incorporation of renewable energies. It also drives the Institutional Carbon Neutrality Plan, which recognizes the most committed campuses and encourages environmental audits, emissions inventories, and mitigation plans. Its educational offerings include programs such as the Master’s in Climate Change Management, the Master’s in Environmental Management and Energy Economics, the course on Environmental Sustainability Management in Educational Centers, and the Interuniversity Master’s in Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility (UNED-UJI).
In this context, promising opportunities for cooperation between UNED and UCA emerge. Both institutions share a strategic vision focused on sustainability, inclusion, and territorial development. Collaboration could take shape through joint research projects, academic exchanges, specialized training, and the development of green campuses. The complementarity between UNED’s digital expertise and UCA’s territorial approach offers a unique opportunity to build hybrid, resilient educational models adapted to 21st-century challenges.
Ultimately, interuniversity cooperation for development not only strengthens educational institutions but also contributes to building a more just, inclusive, and sustainable world.
