SDG 17 - Partnerships for the Goals - 2. EDUCATION FOR THE SDGS - Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences
SDG 17 - Partnerships for the Goals
SDG 17 - Partnerships for the Goals - 2. EDUCATION FOR THE SDGS
Last modified: 24. November 2025
2. EDUCATION FOR THE SDGS
2.1. Education for SDGs commitment to meaningful education
MATE is committed to providing meaningful education on the SDGs across all levels of study, ensuring relevance and applicability for every student. In addition to its main campuses, the university operates multiple international and off-campus training sites, broadening access to SDG-related learning. Through degree programs, specialized training, adult education, and flexible part-time or distance learning courses, MATE fosters university-wide culture of sustainability and global responsibility.
Danube Agrifood Master (DAFM)
The Danube AgriFood Master (DAFM) is a joint MSc programme titled “Sustainability in Agriculture, Food Production and Food Technology in the Danube Region”. It addresses sustainable development as a competent response to the challenges posed by climate change and the need to protect and promote livelihoods. Using the Danube region as a model for all riparian regions worldwide, the programme emphasises environmentally conscious approaches to agriculture and food production.
DAFM aims to educate students who are attuned to sustainable agriculture and food systems. The curriculum highlights the importance of ensuring food safety and stability while maintaining environmental resources and ecosystem services, which are critical for adapting to climate crises, overpopulation, and the depletion of natural resources. By integrating these principles, the programme prepares graduates to contribute effectively to sustainable and resilient agricultural and food systems.
The 120 ECTS joint degree combines the expertise of a consortium of European higher education institutions to offer research-based, high-quality training in sustainable agriculture, soil and water management, climate adaptation, food security, food production, and food technology. It provides a strong foundation across natural sciences, engineering, economics, and social sciences, supporting interdisciplinary approaches and intercultural communication while promoting sustainable bioeconomy concepts. Full partner universities offering the DAFM degree include MATE (Hungary), CZU (Czech Republic), BOKU (Austria), SUA (Slovakia), UNIZG (Croatia), UNS (Serbia), and ULST (Romania).
https://agrifoodmaster.eu/index.html
MATE's first training location outside Europe
In October 2024, MATE reached a historic milestone by launching its first non-European training centre in Azerbaijan. The announcement was made by MATE and International Director during their visit, where they signed three major partnership agreements with Azerbaijani government, academic, and corporate leaders. Initially, the centre will offer short-term, English‑language agrarian courses for both local and international students, with plans to expand later to master’s and adult education programmes. This expansion is part of MATE Global’s strategy to extend the university’s reach beyond its Hungarian campuses and European territories.
E³UDRES²
E³UDRES² (Engaged and Entrepreneurial European University as Driver for European Smart and Sustainable Regions) is a European University Alliance - a network of higher education institutions located in Europe, that have decided to closely work together and collaborate in the fields of research, teaching, innovation and much more. MATE is fully engaged in E³UDRES² activities, currently holding the status of Associated Partner due to restricted access to EU funding.
https://eudres.eu/what-we-do#vision-mission
https://en.uni-mate.hu/e%C2%B3udres%C2%B2-european-university-alliance
CEEPUS network
MATE has been a member of the Central European Exchange Program for University Studies (CEEPUS) since 1998. Through CEEPUS, MATE organizes annual mobility opportunities for students and faculty, as well as summer schools, enhancing international cooperation, cross-border exchange, and long-term academic partnerships. MATE leads multiple the CEEPUS network that address critical sustainability topics such as bioeconomy, water, food processing, renewable energy, and applied economics, helping the university contribute meaningfully to sustainable development through SDG-aligned education and research.
https://uni-mate.hu/a-mate-halozatai-ceepus?utm
University trainings and courses
For information about university specialised trainings, visit the following links:
https://uni-mate.hu/k%C3%A9pz%C3%A9sek
https://oig.uni-mate.hu/en/szakiranyu-tovabbkepzesek
https://videkfejlesztes.uni-mate.hu/képzések
In Hungary, the Adult Education Act enables individuals to continuously develop their skills and knowledge, keeping pace with economic, cultural, and technological changes, regardless of age. For over twenty years, MATE’s Centre for Adult Education and Counselling has offered lifelong learning opportunities to those eager to unlock their potential through adult education. The centre continually updates its training portfolio to meet evolving needs and emerging fields.
https://uni-mate.hu/felnőttképzés
Renewing adult education at our university, the MATE 2030 Strategy also sets this as a goal,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJNUzCxgxAU
MATE AGRI-FOOD - Centre for Agricultural and Food Science Training provides a huge number of full-time and part-time courses (MA/MSc) in Agriculture and Food Science:
https://uni-mate.hu/keresztféléves-mesterképzéseink/agri-food