The Universidad Europea opens Spain's first university school for sustainability
The event began with the signing of the University’s adherence to the United Nations Global Compact
“Talking about sustainability is no longer a trend; it is a critical necessity to ensure the well-being of future generations and the preservation of the planet,” said Otilia de la Fuente, President and CEO of the Universidad Europea.
This Thursday, the Universidad Europea inaugurated the first School of Sustainability within a Spanish university, reaffirming its commitment to education in sustainable development. The inauguration began with the institution’s formal adherence to the UN Global Compact and was attended by major companies and institutions committed to sustainability, including LG, Chep, Heineken, Sacyr, and Konecta Foundation.
Held on the Villaviciosa de Odón campus of the Universidad Europea of Madrid, the event featured remarks by Marta Tomás, Corporate Director of the UN Global Compact, who stated: “The Universidad Europea has been a pioneer in creating the first School of Sustainability, a key initiative to advance and lay the foundations for robust and resilient sustainability. As a university, you serve as a lever, voice, and catalyst within the ecosystem where you operate, educating future business leaders.”
Otilia de la Fuente reaffirmed that “talking about sustainability is no longer a trend—it is a vital need for ensuring the well-being of future generations and the preservation of our planet.” She further emphasized: “At the Universidad Europea, we firmly believe that education is key to tackling all these challenges. Sustainability is a cornerstone of our mission and is embedded into our management and academic model. We train global citizens who are aware, committed to their environment, and capable of leading the shift toward a more sustainable future.”
Graciela de la Morena, Director of the Konecta Foundation, highlighted the need to train students with new professional profiles capable of addressing the complex sustainability challenges that companies face: “It is a milestone that a prestigious university like yours has integrated sustainability in such a structured and transversal way. It’s essential that you listen to market demands and are already equipping future business leaders who are now in your classrooms.”
Before the panel discussions featuring sustainability-driven companies such as LG, Chep, Heineken, and Sacyr, as well as startups like Ocean Born, Mar de Fondo Project, Yorgut, and WeHero—founded by Universidad Europea alumni—Julia Ayuso, Director of the School of Sustainability, shared the school’s vision: “We aim to become a benchmark in training professionals who will lead the transition to a green economy. We are at a crucial point in time where sustainability can no longer be seen as a distant goal but as an urgent reality that demands new solutions and approaches.”
The closing address was delivered by Dr. Elena Gazapo, Rector of the Universidad Europea of Madrid, who noted: “The School of Sustainability is being launched at a critical time and is a fundamental pillar of the institution. The Universidad Europea incorporates sustainability into all its programs as a cross-cutting element infused into every subject and extracurricular activity.”
With the launch of the School of Sustainability, the Universidad Europea takes a step forward in its commitment to sustainable development and social responsibility, embedding these values at the core of its educational model. Partnerships with leading companies and its commitment to the UN Global Compact reinforce its mission to train future leaders who will guide the transition to a greener, more responsible economy. This pioneering project positions the institution as a leader in crafting innovative solutions to global challenges, empowering students to become change agents in building a sustainable future.
