The Islamic University of Maldives (IUM) is pleased to announce the official launch of the international project Sustainable Universities for Society Through Action, Innovation, and Knowledge Networks (SUSTAIN), co-funded by the Erasmus+ Capacity Building for Higher Education programme.

The project was formally launched through an online kick-off meeting, marking the beginning of a three-year collaboration between partner institutions from Europe and the Indo-Pacific region.

The SUSTAIN project is coordinated by Škoda Auto Vysoká škola (Czech Republic) and brings together a diverse consortium of partners, including:

• University of Dubrovnik (Croatia)
• The European Society for Socio-Economic Integration (Belgium)
• Banking Academy (Vietnam)
• Phu Yen University (Vietnam)
• Bac Giang Agriculture and Forestry University (Vietnam)
• Islamic University of Maldives (Maldives)
• Zikura International College (Maldives)

The project aims to strengthen the “third mission” of universities — their active role in supporting societal and socio-economic development. Through SUSTAIN, IUM and other partner institutions will enhance institutional capacity, expand stakeholder engagement, and integrate sustainability principles into governance, teaching, research, and community outreach.

Key thematic areas of the project include:

• Environmental sustainability
• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
• Green and innovative solutions in higher education

The project places special emphasis on universities located outside major international hubs, supporting them in expanding global cooperation and strengthening their contribution to regional development.

Expected outputs of the SUSTAIN project include a model for institutional capacity building, tools for developing third-mission strategies, sustainability-focused learning materials, and a practical toolkit for fostering inclusive universities. These outcomes will be reinforced through structured mobilities and international collaboration activities among partner institutions.

Through its participation in SUSTAIN, the Islamic University of Maldives reaffirms its commitment to sustainability, community engagement, and international partnership, contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable future for the Maldives and the wider region.