Discussion in Vilnius

The recent Multiplier event of the SOHACK project, "The Role of Universities in Developing Sustainability Competences", was held in Vilnius on September 24th. It brought together universities, social partners, and municipalities, focusing on how higher education can contribute to developing sustainability competencies. Central to the event was a discussion on universities' role in building sustainability skills, emphasising both environmental and social aspects.

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Ieva Adomaitytė-Subačienė (VU) emphasised the need for universities to not only focus on environmental protection but to address broader social responsibilities. This includes engaging with partners such as municipalities, social businesses, and even ministries. "Partners can share their experiences, not just through lectures but by holding workshops. This is about building real skills, not just providing materials that are easily accessible elsewhere," she explained. This aligns with what Žemartas Budrys (The Critical) said about universities being not just places of knowledge creation but also hubs of placemaking, where various stakeholders shape realities.
Students shared their experiences of working in interdisciplinary teams. While challenging at times due to communication barriers—especially in a non-native English setting—the students found immense value in these collaborations. They appreciated the chance to walk on the university campus alongside peers from different cultural contexts, seeing how their unique perspectives shed new light on the Vilnius University experience. Gabija (VU student) remarked, "Walking with others from different backgrounds helps you see things differently, from the side."

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This emphasis on perspective-taking underscored the importance of sustainability as more than just environmental protection—it also involves social dimensions like community adaptation and well-being.

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Another significant topic that emerged was the importance of mental health in sustainability discussions. Students highlighted how campus green spaces foster socialisation and connection, which are critical to mental well-being. Austėja (VU student) noted that green spaces "encourage contact, and they are not only beautiful but also necessary for our well-being." This brings to light how social aspects of sustainability—such as fostering mental health through campus design—are just as crucial as environmental factors.
Perhaps one of the most striking points raised by the students was the need for more practical learning opportunities. Lectures, while informative, often leave students feeling disengaged. In contrast, hands-on experiences like visiting sustainable organisations and hearing about real-world decisions were seen as highly valuable. "When you're in a lecture, it goes in one ear and out the other," Gabija confessed, "but when you get actually to touch and experience, it sticks with you."
Critical thinking also emerged as an essential skill students felt was being fostered through the project. By observing their surroundings, asking the right questions, and thinking deeply about sustainability, students are not just passive recipients of knowledge but active participants in shaping sustainable futures.
The transdisciplinary approach was a significant focus of the Multiplier event. Prof. Arūnas Poviliūnas (VU) highlighted how knowledge should not remain confined within academic communities but should be cultivated alongside public institutions, communities, and social partners. Inga Bankauskienė (Ministry of Social Security and Labour) noted the gap between sustainability and health in policy documents and saw this collaboration as an opportunity to bridge that divide. Nida Vildžiūnaitė (social business projects) echoed similar thoughts, stressing the importance of fostering connection-building practices within universities and beyond. This resonates with Rita Trečiakauskienė’s (Vilnius City Social Support Center) comment that students carry new ideas, bringing fresh perspectives from their university experiences to broader society.
The SOHACK project, alongside other initiatives like SHOUT, is changing the paradigm of sustainability education. It is no longer about separate disciplines but a merging of various fields—social well-being, economic growth, environmental responsibility—into a cohesive whole. With their innovative ideas and critical perspectives, students are emerging as central figures in this transformation.

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