University of Glasgow Connect

Strengthening global collaboration through Universitas 21

Reflections from the University of Glasgow and Lund University

Professor Rachel Sandison, Deputy Vice Chancellor, External Engagement, University of Glasgow:

At the University of Glasgow, we have long believed that the most enduring and impactful partnerships are those built on shared values, mutual respect, and a commitment to innovation. Our membership in Universitas 21 (U21) exemplifies this belief, as a network that provides a trusted and dynamic platform for collaboration, one that enables us to engage deeply with like-minded institutions around the world.

We are particularly proud of our close relationship with Lund University, a partnership that has grown stronger through our shared involvement in U21. This year, that collaboration takes on new significance as Lund hosts the inaugural U21 School for Sustainable Policy Leadership, a timely and ambitious programme that speaks directly to the global challenges we all face and one to which the University of Glasgow is proud to contribute.

Richard Stenelo, Executive Director, Division of Global Engagement, Lund University:

At Lund University, we were delighted to welcome postgraduate students and academic colleagues from across the U21 network to our campus this June. Forty-five students from 17 universities came together for the U21 School for Sustainable Policy Leadership.

Our interactive programme featured workshops, keynote sessions led by Lund faculty and external experts, and a student-led panel on sustainable mobility. Students also took on a group challenge to design a sustainable initiative that could be implemented by universities or benefit the wider academic community. A standout moment was the visit to the United Nations City in Copenhagen, where students heard from the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).

The U21 School for Sustainable Policy Leadership is more than a programme—it is a statement of intent. It reflects our collective commitment to equipping the next generation of leaders with the tools, insights, and networks they need to drive sustainable change.

Our collaboration with the University of Glasgow has been a model of what U21 can enable: a partnership that is both strategic and personal, grounded in shared priorities such as sustainability, student experience, and global engagement. We are pleased to be hosting two of your students and welcoming your academic staff as contributors to the programme.

University of Glasgow:

U21’s strength lies in uniting institutions that are not only leaders in academic excellence but also driven by a shared commitment to meaningful change and civic responsibility. Through its communities of practice, leadership programmes, and student-led initiatives, U21 cultivates a culture of openness, collaboration, and innovation. It has served as a catalyst for fresh thinking and a platform where ideas can be tested, refined, and scaled to achieve real-world impact.

The School for Sustainable Policy Leadership exemplifies this spirit. Drawing on the immense expertise across the U21 network, it offers students a distinctive opportunity to tackle sustainability challenges through hands-on policy development, fieldwork, and collaborative learning. For us, it builds naturally on our bilateral partnership with Lund and represents a powerful way to amplify our collective impact.

Lund University:

We value the trust and openness that U21 cultivates among its members. It allows us to move beyond transactional relationships and into genuine collaboration. The School for Sustainable Policy Leadership is a direct outcome of that environment, designed not only to educate but to inspire, connect, and empower.

We are particularly proud of the programme’s focus on inclusion and sustainability, two pillars that underpin all U21 activities. As signatories of CANIE through U21, and active participants in U21’s EDI initiatives, we are committed to ensuring that our global engagement is both responsible and representative.

Together:

Our shared membership in U21 has brought us closer together—not just as institutions, but as preferred partners. It has enabled us to align our strategic goals, co-create meaningful opportunities for students and staff, and contribute to a global community of practice that is shaping the future of higher education.

As we look ahead, we invite colleagues across the U21 network, and beyond, to join us in exploring new ways to collaborate. Whether through joint programmes, research initiatives, or innovative approaches to student experience, we believe there is enormous potential to do more, together.

Let’s continue to build on the strength of our partnerships and to lead with purpose, creativity, and a shared commitment to global impact.