SGGW Strengthens International Partnerships Through Meeting with Embassy Representatives

On 30 June, the Rector’s Palace at SGGW hosted the third meeting between the University’s leadership and representatives of foreign embassies based in Poland. The event provided an opportunity to showcase SGGW’s international achievements while opening new avenues for dialogue and future collaboration with partners from around the world.

The meeting was opened by Professor Michał Zasada, Rector of SGGW, who underlined that internationalisation remains one of the University’s strategic priorities. He stressed that international cooperation strengthens both SGGW’s research and educational potential while increasing the global visibility of the University and promoting the achievements of Polish science abroad.

Professor Marta Mendel, Vice-Rector for Internationalisation, presented the University’s international profile, including its English-taught degree programmes, research strengths, and key international partnerships. She highlighted SGGW’s active participation in the EuroLeague for Life Sciences (ELLS), the UNIgreen Alliance, the European Bioeconomy University, and ICA – the Association for European Life Science Universities. Her presentation also showcased the University’s growing portfolio of international research projects and its performance in global university rankings.

The second part of the programme focused on selected research initiatives and SGGW’s contribution to its third mission, with particular emphasis on the implementation of the UNESCO 2030 Agenda.

Professor Agnieszka Karczmarczyk from the Department of Environmental Improvement and Remote Sensing presented a project preparing the University for Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions reporting. She outlined measures supporting carbon emission reduction and presented initiatives aimed at developing a more sustainable campus through the active involvement of both staff and students.

Dr Piotr Pietrzak from the Institute of Management addressed the role of higher education institutions in advancing sustainable development. He emphasised that universities contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals not only through research and education but also by cooperating with socio-economic stakeholders and promoting responsible campus management.

The perspective of SGGW’s international student community was presented by Zhamilia Abdyldaeva, Chair of the International Student Council and a student of Organic Agriculture and Food Production. She introduced initiatives that bring together students from different countries, highlighted the activities of the International Student Council, and spoke about projects that foster an open, welcoming, and inclusive academic environment. She emphasised that student engagement plays an important role in building an international university community and promoting SGGW among prospective students worldwide.

The official programme was followed by a networking session, allowing participants to exchange ideas, establish new contacts, and explore future opportunities for collaboration.

Now in its third edition, the meeting has become an important element of SGGW’s internationalisation strategy and science diplomacy efforts. It provides a platform for dialogue with the diplomatic community, promotes the University’s research and educational achievements, and strengthens relationships with international partners.

By fostering connections between academia and the diplomatic community, such initiatives create opportunities for new research collaborations, expand academic mobility, and support the development of international partnerships that address today’s global challenges in science and society.