Una Europa Virtual Exchanges for Sustainability (UnaVEx) – 3rd Edition

Highlights

Una Europa Virtual Exchanges for Sustainability (UnaVEx) is an international, interdisciplinary and intercultural online initiative connecting European and African universities to explore sustainability from multiple perspectives.

The project offers a fully virtual learning experience, bringing together students and trained moderators in a structured exchange that combines academic content, collaborative work and intercultural dialogue. UnaVEx is co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union and coordinated by the University of Helsinki, with the participation of Una Europa partner universities, including the University of Bologna.

What is UnaVEx?

UnaVEx is designed as a virtual bridge between Europe and Africa, creating inclusive and accessible international learning opportunities focused on global sustainability challenges.

Through interactive online sessions, students engage with:

  • sustainability from economic, socio-cultural, technological, political, legal and scientific perspectives;

  • peers from different academic backgrounds and cultural contexts;

  • collaborative group work aimed at developing concrete sustainability actions.

The initiative contributes to strengthening environmental awareness, green transition knowledge, and skills for sustainability transformation among young generations in Europe and Africa

 

UnaVEx Virtual Exchange for Students (1 ECTS)

The UnaVEx virtual exchange course is open to students from all disciplines who are interested in sustainability and global development. The course awards 1 ECTS.

During the virtual exchange, students will:

  • attend inspiring guest lectures on sustainability;
  • work in international and intercultural groups with students from European and African universities;
  • co-design a collaborative sustainability action.

Dates and format

The virtual exchange consists of five weekly online sessions, held in March 2026, in the afternoon (14:00–17:00 CET):

  • Thursday, 5 March
  • Thursday, 12 March
  • Thursday, 19 March
  • Tuesday, 24 March
  • Thursday, 26 March 2026

How to apply

The Call for Students is open.
Applications must be submitted by 28 February 2026 via the online application form

Partner Universities

UnaVEx brings together a network of European and African universities, including:

  • University of Helsinki (Finland)
  • University of Bologna (Italy)
  • KU Leuven (Belgium)
  • University of Johannesburg (South Africa)
  • University of Nairobi (Kenya)
  • University of Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of Congo)

More information and contacts

More information on the UnaVEx project is available on the official project website.
For inquiries, please contact Francesco Maria Spampinato (University of Bologna) at francesco.spampinato@unibo.it