In today’s rapidly changing world, the role of universities and higher education institutions goes far beyond the transmission of theoretical knowledge. Modern educational institutions are becoming key drivers of societal change and carriers of values that shape a sustainable future. Within the NEWTON University Group, we respond to this challenge through active engagement in global initiatives and by adopting concrete commitments that extend well beyond standard teaching.
Why sustainability in education matters
According to the United Nations, education is one of the most powerful tools for addressing global challenges, from climate change and social inequalities to labour market disruption. The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a globally recognised framework that connects quality education, economic prosperity, institutional stability and quality of life.
This is why NEWTON University approaches the SDGs in a systematic and long-term manner. To make this commitment tangible, we became a member of the prestigious Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Network. This is not a symbolic declaration of values, but a deliberate decision to guide teaching, partnerships and the internal functioning of the university by clearly defined principles of sustainable development.
Membership in the Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Network represents active participation in an international environment that evaluates the real societal impact of universities. The network brings together institutions that aim to develop sustainability in a measurable way and assess it transparently.
Within this framework, NEWTON focuses on eight key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that have long shaped our mission: quality education, resilience and well-being, gender equality, decent work and economic growth, reduced inequalities, climate responsibility, strong institutions and global partnerships.
Mental health and resilience as a priority
Research conducted by the OECD and the World Health Organization (WHO) highlights the growing psychological burden faced by younger generations. Mental health directly affects academic performance, the ability to collaborate and long-term professional sustainability.
For this reason, we place strong emphasis on psychological safety and the development of resilience. Our concrete commitment is to engage at least 200 students and alumni in well-being programmes over the next two years. The goal is to create an environment where it is possible to work with mistakes, uncertainty and pressure without stigmatisation and with a strong focus on personal mastery.
Globalisation and inclusion: education without borders
The global labour market places new demands on graduates. According to the European Commission, students with international experience demonstrate higher employability and adaptability in dynamic environments. We therefore continuously invest in the systematic development of international activities.
Our 2026 plan includes:
- Increasing student mobility by 50% (both physical and virtual) through Erasmus+ and other programmes.
- Securing at least five new English-language internship partners each year, strengthening global employability.
- Building an international study environment with students from 30 different countries.
In the coming years, we also plan to launch three Blended Intensive Programmes (BIPs) annually, combining online and on-site learning in international teams.
A strong emphasis is also placed on inclusion. We regularly publish progress reports on the Gender Equality Plan (GEP) and commit to equality, diversity and anti-harassment training for 100% of managers and 70% of staff within a two-year cycle.
Responsible governance and institutional trust
An integral part of responsible management is the full implementation of a whistleblowing platform, accompanied by an annual report on its use and trust levels. Transparency is not a formal obligation, but a key pillar of strong institutions.
Practical steps towards climate responsibility
According to the United Nations, sustainability goals cannot be achieved without the active involvement of educational institutions in developing environmental literacy. By the end of 2026, we will integrate sustainability-focused modules or case studies into all study programmes. This ensures that every graduate understands the impact of future business decisions on society and the planet.
At the same time, we lead by example in our own operations. In staff mobility, we aim to increase the share of sustainable travel options from 33% to more than 50% within the next year. Sustainability is therefore not only part of the curriculum, but part of our everyday practice.
All these steps are anchored in the core values of the NEWTON University Group: personal mastery, innovation, community, practicality and professionalism. These values ensure that our commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals does not remain on paper, but delivers real and measurable societal impact.
