Introduction and Summary
Russian-Armenian University (RAU) adheres to the general principles of sustainable development across all areas of its activity — in science, education, daily operations (social responsibility, environmental management), organizational culture, and interaction with society (knowledge transfer, public discourse, media engagement). Sustainable development is considered a foundational basis for the university’s strategic decisions.
Key principles of sustainable development include conservation and rational use of resources, fairness, resilience, systemic and interdisciplinary approaches, and ensuring long-term economic stability while simultaneously considering social and environmental aspects.
All RAU staff and students are invited to actively participate in initiatives aimed at sustainable development and to contribute suggestions for improving related processes. Likewise, alumni, partners, and the university’s broader community are engaged in collaborative efforts to advance this field. Goals and activities in the area of sustainable development are regularly reviewed and adjusted in response to new challenges and opportunities.
Sustainable Development in RAU’s Scientific Activities
Sustainable development in the university’s research is implemented through three key directions:
• Science for Sustainable Development: Creating a knowledge base and practical solutions that support societal transformation toward sustainability. This includes innovative strategies, processes, and technologies aligned with sustainable development principles. Research is based on a systemic approach and often requires interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary methods.
• Research on Sustainable Development: Developing theories and concepts of sustainability, analyzing decision-making processes, adaptation, and societal learning in the context of sustainability.
• Strengthening Sustainability in Research Practices: Incorporating environmental responsibility into research organization, ensuring open access to research results, and actively applying scientific achievements for the benefit of society and the economy.
Sustainable Development in RAU’s Educational Process
Educational activities aimed at sustainable development are characterized by the integration of relevant topics and challenges into curricula, as well as critical analysis of current social and environmental issues.
Modern pedagogical methods are applied: discussion-based and interactive formats, systemic and problem-oriented learning, interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches.
The goal is to develop students’ understanding and competencies for addressing sustainability challenges and preparing them to actively contribute to sustainable solutions across various spheres of public life.
Sustainable Development as an Institutional Principle at RAU
Sustainable development is integrated into all levels of university activity — from organizational culture and strategic management to societal engagement and environmental management.
• Organizational Culture: Fostering awareness and values related to sustainability. Emphasis is placed on social aspects, developing RAU’s corporate spirit, and supporting cultural and social initiatives among students and staff.
• Strategic Planning: Sustainability is considered in the development of strategic plans, competitive procedures, and educational programs.
• Societal Engagement and Communication: Sustainability is a key theme in strategic communication, knowledge transfer, and collaboration with external partners. Special attention is given to raising awareness and strengthening sustainable values in society.
• Participation and Involvement: Staff are involved in making key decisions related to research, education, and the university’s public activities.
• Environmental Management: Continuous improvement of the university’s environmental performance (energy consumption, procurement, food services, transportation, etc.), reflected in regular reports and programs aimed at reducing negative impacts. Special attention is given to sustainable implementation of scientific and educational projects.
Appendix >>
Education for Sustainable Development >>
Materials >>
Russian-Armenian University (RAU) adheres to the general principles of sustainable development across all areas of its activity — in science, education, daily operations (social responsibility, environmental management), organizational culture, and interaction with society (knowledge transfer, public discourse, media engagement). Sustainable development is considered a foundational basis for the university’s strategic decisions.
Key principles of sustainable development include conservation and rational use of resources, fairness, resilience, systemic and interdisciplinary approaches, and ensuring long-term economic stability while simultaneously considering social and environmental aspects.
All RAU staff and students are invited to actively participate in initiatives aimed at sustainable development and to contribute suggestions for improving related processes. Likewise, alumni, partners, and the university’s broader community are engaged in collaborative efforts to advance this field. Goals and activities in the area of sustainable development are regularly reviewed and adjusted in response to new challenges and opportunities.
Sustainable Development in RAU’s Scientific Activities
Sustainable development in the university’s research is implemented through three key directions:
• Science for Sustainable Development: Creating a knowledge base and practical solutions that support societal transformation toward sustainability. This includes innovative strategies, processes, and technologies aligned with sustainable development principles. Research is based on a systemic approach and often requires interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary methods.
• Research on Sustainable Development: Developing theories and concepts of sustainability, analyzing decision-making processes, adaptation, and societal learning in the context of sustainability.
• Strengthening Sustainability in Research Practices: Incorporating environmental responsibility into research organization, ensuring open access to research results, and actively applying scientific achievements for the benefit of society and the economy.
Sustainable Development in RAU’s Educational Process
Educational activities aimed at sustainable development are characterized by the integration of relevant topics and challenges into curricula, as well as critical analysis of current social and environmental issues.
Modern pedagogical methods are applied: discussion-based and interactive formats, systemic and problem-oriented learning, interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches.
The goal is to develop students’ understanding and competencies for addressing sustainability challenges and preparing them to actively contribute to sustainable solutions across various spheres of public life.
Sustainable Development as an Institutional Principle at RAU
Sustainable development is integrated into all levels of university activity — from organizational culture and strategic management to societal engagement and environmental management.
• Organizational Culture: Fostering awareness and values related to sustainability. Emphasis is placed on social aspects, developing RAU’s corporate spirit, and supporting cultural and social initiatives among students and staff.
• Strategic Planning: Sustainability is considered in the development of strategic plans, competitive procedures, and educational programs.
• Societal Engagement and Communication: Sustainability is a key theme in strategic communication, knowledge transfer, and collaboration with external partners. Special attention is given to raising awareness and strengthening sustainable values in society.
• Participation and Involvement: Staff are involved in making key decisions related to research, education, and the university’s public activities.
• Environmental Management: Continuous improvement of the university’s environmental performance (energy consumption, procurement, food services, transportation, etc.), reflected in regular reports and programs aimed at reducing negative impacts. Special attention is given to sustainable implementation of scientific and educational projects.
Appendix >>
Education for Sustainable Development >>
Materials >>