Why internationalization is a sustainability strategy

November 13, 2025

As sustainability becomes a global priority, internationalization is emerging as a strategic pathway for building resilient and innovative universities. In this article, Alexandra Teodósio, Vice-Rector for Internationalization and Sustainable Development at the University of Algarve, explores how global partnerships, interdisciplinary collaboration, and inclusive opportunities can drive both local and global impact. How can internationalization strengthen resilience, boost innovation, and promote equity in higher education?

Internationalization is an intrinsic characteristic of any higher education institution due to its universal nature. It is more than mobility or academic reputation — it is about building resilience, accelerating innovation, fostering inclusive societies, and generating global impact.

At the University of Algarve (UAlg), internationalization is deeply integrated into our mission and aligned with the United Nations 2030 Agenda, particularly through initiatives linked to sustainable blue growth at the regional and international level.

Now more than ever, society and policymakers must rely on interdisciplinary research to take sustainable actions for the future of Portugal, Europe and our planet.

From UAlg’s experience, we can identify 3 key lessons that may inspire other universities, policymakers, and businesses seeking to combine international partnerships with local impact.

Lesson 1: Internationalization builds resilience

Global challenges, such as climate change, pandemics, food insecurity, and geopolitical conflicts, have demonstrated that no institution or region can act in isolation. Embedding in reliable international networks strengthens institutional and societal change.

Through networks like SEA-EU (European University of the Seas), UAlg has expended cooperation across Europe, Africa, the Americas, and Asia – connecting with more than 40 partners working on marine and maritime themes. This collaboration enabled the development of international joint degrees and leadership programs, such as:

A Bachelor’s Degree in Sustainable Blue Economy (SeaBluE);
A Master's degree in Port Management and Logistics (MIPMAL-SEA-EU).

These programs are designed with challenge-based methodologies, preparing students to act in uncertain and complex environments.

Ultimately, internationalization contributes not only to institutional strength but also to more adaptable, globally aware graduates — supporting resilience at a societal level.

Lesson 2: Internationalization accelerates local innovation

Partnerships beyond academia create a fertile ground for innovation. At UAlg, international cooperation has opened new opportunities increasing access to diverse expertise, funding, and perspectives — enabling faster and more impactful solutions.

Some examples include:

A new interdisciplinary innovation hub, opening in 2026 at the port of Olhão, will bring together students, researchers, startups, and municipalities to co-design solutions for sustainable coastal economies.
Living labs across the Algarve — from the Castro Marim saltmarshes to Sagres harbour — enable hands-on learning and knowledge co-production between students, scientists, fishers, port authorities, and artisanal producers.
A floating lab vessel allows students to directly monitor and test nature-based solutions in estuarine and coastal ecosystems.

Such examples show how internationalization can help translate knowledge into action at the local level — not only through funding and infrastructure, but by activating regional talent and knowledge to serve shared sustainability goals.

Lesson 3: Internationalization promotes early-stage researchers, inclusion and equity

Sustainability also means ensuring that higher education is accessible to all, the most relevant SDG – Leave No One Behind – especially those in fragile, conflict-affected, or marginalized contexts.

UAlg’s strategy places inclusion at the heart of its internationalization through support to young researchers to address local sustainability challenges in their own regions:

Since 2022, more than 120 PhD positions have been opened for Portuguese-speaking African countries and Timor-Leste, focusing on capacity building in coastal regions and sustainability (CEMAR- Ciência LP UNESCO).
Through new partnerships, UAlg is launching scholarships for students from conflict affected zones such as Siria, Ukraine and Palestine.
Open-access platforms co-developed with other universities provide training in aquaculture, entrepreneurship and intellectual property – expanding opportunities beyond Algarve region (BLUE ROUTE2030 and SHEs – My Sustainable Future).

These efforts show that internationalization can act as a force for inclusion, empowerment, and regional development, while supporting global capacity-building for sustainability transitions.

Recommendations

The University of Algarve’s experience shows that internationalization, when strategically aligned with sustainability, can transform institutions into powerful agents of local and global transformation – as a result improving innovative learning strategies and research outputs.

Too often internationalization is reduced to a checklist of mobility programs and presence in international fairs, while it is about building bridges: between regions, between disciplines, and especially between generations.

To replicate and expand this impact:

Universities should reinforce internationalization into their core missions — not only an office, but as a driver of resilience, innovation, and social responsibility. In that case, we can create a future where it is possible to innovate education and research drive the wellbeing of people, the resilience of communities, and nature.
Policy makers should support long-term international consortia with adequate legislation and funding mechanisms that bridge academia, industry, and local communities, ensuring that knowledge flows both ways — from global to local.
Companies should leverage academic networks to access talent, and co-produced research, and collaborative spaces that accelerate the development of sustainable solutions with impact on local communities and our blue planet health.