Development of curriculum for elective course on Sustainable Development in pharmacy (WP3.1)
Report/Roadmap with recommendations based on situational analysis (WP3.2)
Two-day online training on blended learning for professors (WP3.3) – Training on sustainable education
Training on “Teaching and Learning Sustainability in Pharmacy Education”
On 14 January 2026, a training session titled “Teaching and Learning Sustainability in Pharmacy Education” was successfully held at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje. The event brought together members of the academic staff who participated both in person and online, reflecting the strong interest in integrating sustainability principles into pharmacy education.
The training was organized as part of the Harmonization of European Pharmacy Education, implemented through collaboration between the Faculty of Pharmacy, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, the University of Valencia, and the University of Belgrade. The activity focused on exploring how sustainability principles and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals can be integrated into pharmacy curricula to support the development of responsible, future-oriented pharmaceutical professionals.
Participants engaged in discussions on contemporary approaches to sustainability in higher education, practical strategies for incorporating sustainability topics into teaching, and the broader role of pharmacists in achieving sustainable healthcare systems.
The training was delivered by Lazar Pop Ivanov from United Nations Development Programme and Goran Veleski from SEG Consulting, who shared valuable expertise and practical perspectives on sustainability and education.
Overview of the Topics Covered During the Training
A central part of the training introduced the concept of sustainability and sustainable development, emphasizing the widely accepted definition of meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The discussion highlighted how global challenges such as climate change, environmental degradation, and economic instability require a systemic approach in education and professional practice.
Another important topic was the role of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their relevance to pharmacy and health systems. Participants were introduced to the structure of the SDGs, adopted by UN Member States in 2015 as part of the global Agenda 2030, including their targets and monitoring indicators. Particular attention was given to goals closely linked to pharmaceutical practice and education, such as Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3), Quality Education (SDG 4), Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), Climate Action (SDG 13), and water and pollution-related goals.
The presentations also explored the importance of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) as a framework for equipping students with the knowledge, values, and skills needed to contribute to sustainable societies. ESD encourages critical thinking, responsible decision-making, and active engagement with environmental and social challenges, positioning universities as key actors in advancing sustainable development.
A specific focus of the training was placed on the role of pharmacy education in sustainable healthcare systems. Pharmacy was presented as a profession situated at the intersection of health, environment, and society, with pharmacists playing an important role in promoting rational medicine use, responsible resource management, and public health awareness. Integrating sustainability topics into pharmacy curricula can therefore contribute to more resilient and environmentally responsible healthcare practices.
Participants were also introduced to core sustainability competencies relevant for future pharmacists, including systems thinking, critical thinking, strategic and anticipatory competence, collaboration, self-awareness, and integrated problem-solving. These competencies support the development of professionals capable of addressing complex health and environmental challenges.
Finally, the training presented practical approaches for integrating sustainability into teaching and curriculum design, including reflecting on current teaching practices, identifying relevant sustainability topics for pharmacy students, applying interactive and problem-based pedagogical methods, and aligning assessment with sustainability learning outcomes. The discussion emphasized that universities play a crucial role in translating global sustainability goals into everyday professional practice.
Overall, the training provided both conceptual background and practical guidance for incorporating sustainability principles into pharmacy education, encouraging academic staff to further develop curricula that prepare future pharmacists to contribute to sustainable healthcare and societal development.
To support further learning and curriculum development, all training presentations and additional literature are available in the project e-library, where they can be accessed by academic staff and other interested stakeholders.
This activity represents an important step toward strengthening the integration of sustainability concepts in pharmacy education and fostering continued collaboration among partner institutions in Europe.