The University of Szeged further strengthened its international ties and reputation for sustainability by participating in the 4th International Student Leaders Meeting on Sustainability (ISLMS 2026) in Taiwan. Bringing together representatives from some of the world’s greenest universities, the event provided a global platform for sharing innovative sustainability practices. SZTE was represented by PhD student Nándor Tráser and Róbert Kurucz, Head of the Innovation Management Unit at the University’s Directorate-General for Strategy and Development, who presented the University’s green initiatives and achievements to an international audience.
Organized by UI GreenMetric, a global initiative promoting sustainability in higher education, the event was held from July 14 to 17, 2026, at Taiwan’s National Pingtung University of Science and Technology (NPUST). The program focused on sustainable university operations, student engagement, and green innovation.
More than 50 students and faculty members from 12 countries came together to exchange ideas and best practices. Nándor Tráser, a PhD student at SZTE’s Institute of Geography and Earth Sciences, presented the University of Szeged’s sustainability initiatives from the perspective of students and early-career researchers. Róbert Kurucz, Head of the Innovation Management Unit at SZTE’s Directorate-General for Strategy and Development, meanwhile highlighted opportunities for collaboration and the economic and social application of innovation. His participation also helped broaden the University’s international network and raise its visibility.
Taipei 101, one of Taiwan’s most iconic landmarks, stands tall in the center background. Photo courtesy of Nándor Tráser
A highlight of ISLMS 2026 was the signing of an international student declaration, through which participants formalized their shared commitment to a more sustainable future. Signing on behalf of Hungary, Nándor Tráser joined fellow young leaders in pledging to play an active role in addressing today’s sustainability challenges.
Showcasing Szeged’s green innovation on the global stage
“Sustainability is a shared responsibility that knows no national or institutional boundaries. Long-term answers to global challenges can only emerge through collaboration, learning from one another, and interdisciplinary thinking. Both the University of Szeged and UI GreenMetric believe that young people have a vital role to play in this effort. We are proud that SZTE was represented in full force at this major international event, where young people and experts from across the globe and a wide range of disciplines could actively contribute their ideas and expertise to advancing global action,” said Dr. Dénes Mátyás, Deputy Director for Sustainability at the University of Szeged, reflecting on the international gathering.
The strong interest SZTE attracts in Taiwan and internationally is firmly underpinned by the University’s standing in global sustainability rankings. In the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings, the University of Szeged placed an impressive 41st among 1,745 universities across 105 countries, ranking 19th in Europe.
Student representatives from 12 countries unite around a shared commitment to sustainability as they sign the symbolic pledge made at the conference. Photo courtesy of UI GreenMetric
Against the backdrop of this impressive achievement, SZTE’s PhD student representative also led a dedicated workshop showcasing the University’s sustainability best practices and innovative solutions. The presentation highlighted SZTE’s pioneering use of renewable energy, particularly geothermal and solar power, alongside a broader range of green technology initiatives. These included the latest results of the Climate Change Research Forum organized by the University of Szeged’s Center of Excellence for Interdisciplinary Research, Development, and Innovation (IKIKK), research carried out within the COmCHA project under the European Union’s Biodiversa+ program, and community-based awareness initiatives such as Parking Day Szeged.
Róbert Kurucz, Head of Innovation Management, described ISLMS 2026 as a high-caliber yet refreshingly open and inspiring event, bringing together students and experts from around the world. “At the University of Szeged, we are seeing students increasingly take the lead, launching projects and programs that help shape a greener future. The same momentum is also evident in innovation, with a growing number of student ideas offering new approaches to sustainability and energy management,” he noted.
Building connections for a more sustainable future
The Taiwan meeting went beyond exchanging ideas, creating valuable opportunities to strengthen strategic international ties. Dr. Vishnu Juwono, Chairman of UI GreenMetric, praised the University of Szeged for the high standard of last year’s 3rd ISLMS conference held in Szeged and also highlighted SZTE’s exceptional engagement across the network.
At the conference’s closing ceremony, Nándor Tráser (far left) read aloud the symbolic pledge outlining the participating students’ commitments to sustainability. Photo courtesy of UI GreenMetric
Nándor Tráser said it was a powerful experience to see SZTE at the forefront of green innovation not only in Hungary and Central Europe, but on the global stage as well. In his view, addressing the complex challenges of climate change requires an integrated natural and social science perspective. This is also the interdisciplinary approach he has developed as a geographer, further enriched by insights gained through international knowledge-sharing forums such as ISLMS. The value of these exchanges extends beyond the event itself. The connections established in Taiwan, including with partners in Asia and South America, could open new opportunities for future international collaboration on sustainability at the University of Szeged.
Nándor Tráser adds his signature to the symbolic pledge, joining fellow students in affirming their commitment to sustainability. Photo courtesy of UI GreenMetric
The University of Szeged’s participation in the event was supported through the Sustainability and Development Program for a Green University of the Third Mission Development Cluster within SZTE’s Center of Excellence for Interdisciplinary Research, Development, and Innovation, contributing to the University’s sustainability efforts and international collaboration.
Source: SZTEinfó, Ferenc Lévai
Feature photo: As part of the conference, participants explored the green urban development solutions transforming Kaohsiung, a major port city in Taiwan. Photo courtesy of UI GreenMetric
