UnaVEx is a five-week virtual exchange programme that brings together students from different countries to explore sustainability from multiple angles. UnaVEx is rooted in the Una Europa–Africa Partnership, which unites Una Europa’s 11 partner institutions with eight African universities.
MSc Biotechnology student Sufiya Nafees Ahmed from UCD shares her experiences of taking part in UnaVEX in spring 2025.
Why did you apply to UnaVEx?
It seemed like a unique and exciting opportunity. I’ve always been intrigued by sustainability and the environment. Also, I was looking forward to meeting and working with people from new and different backgrounds. What I hoped to achieve from the programme was a truly global experience, something that would not only teach me more about sustainability but also help me grow personally by stepping out of my comfort zone and connecting with others in meaningful ways.
What was the UnaVEx programme like?
Each week, we attended inspiring lectures and plenary talks by experts in the field, covering topics like ecological, social, economic and cultural sustainability. One of the most engaging aspects of the programme was the group work. I had the chance to collaborate with six peers from diverse backgrounds, and together we developed an UnaVEx Sustainability Action Plan focused on Sustainable Water Initiatives from around the world.
The programme was designed not only to raise awareness but also to encourage practical action and intercultural learning. It was both eye-opening and empowering to work on real-world sustainability challenges with people who brought such different perspectives to the table.
Our group’s goal was to explore innovative solutions to water-related challenges such as pollution, scarcity and flooding. Despite working virtually and across time zones, we were able to collaborate effectively by being organized, supportive and open-minded. It was a great experience that taught me not just about sustainability, but also about the value of teamwork and intercultural communication.
What impact did UnaVEx have on you personally and academically?
UnaVEx had a huge impact on me personally. One of the most eye-opening parts of the experience was realizing how much I didn’t know, not just about climate change and sustainability, but also about my own habits. Through our discussions, I became more aware of just how much plastic I use in my daily life and how unaware I had been about the environmental cost of those choices. It really pushed me to start rethinking my lifestyle and consumption.
Interacting with people from different backgrounds was also a powerful part of the programme. Even though we came from different countries and cultures, it was surprising and a little sobering to see that many of the problems we face are the same: polluted rivers, water shortages, climate extremes and lack of awareness. That shared experience made our conversations more meaningful, and it helped me develop more empathy, curiosity and open-mindedness.
I also developed new skills like working effectively in a virtual, multicultural team, presenting ideas clearly, and thinking more critically about global challenges. Most importantly, I learned that small actions matter, and that change starts with awareness. UnaVEx didn’t just teach me about sustainability; it helped me grow as a person.
Academically, UnaVEx had a strong and lasting impact on me. While I earned credits through the programme, what I truly gained was a multidimensional understanding of sustainability that has enriched my studies at UCD. Sustainability is a key focus area at UCD, and UnaVEx gave me the opportunity to explore this topic from global, interdisciplinary, and practical perspectives.
Throughout the programme, I deepened my understanding of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, especially those related to water, climate, and sustainable communities. I also developed valuable academic and professional skills like critical thinking, cross-cultural collaboration and effective communication in a virtual, international environment.
Can you share a highlight with us?
Something that really surprised me during UnaVEx was how unaware many people still are about sustainability and even more surprising was the way some people tend to mock or dismiss it when it’s brought up in conversation. I always thought sustainability was becoming more mainstream, especially among younger generations, but through group discussions and sharing personal experiences, I realized that in many places, it’s still seen as unnecessary, unrealistic or even annoying.
This surprised me because the issues we discussed such as climate change, water pollution and biodiversity loss are urgent and affect us all. It made me reflect on how important awareness and education are. If people don’t understand the problem or feel disconnected from it, it’s easy for them to ignore it.
This realization didn’t discourage me; it actually motivated me more. It showed me that raising awareness is one of the most powerful steps we can take. Sometimes, just starting a conversation, even if it's uncomfortable or unpopular, can be the beginning of change.
Most importantly, this experience gave me confidence. It made me realise that my voice matters, that I can contribute meaningfully even in a diverse and global setting. And it was genuinely enjoyable. I had fun, made connections, and felt inspired throughout the process. Opportunities like this can be life-changing, and sometimes all it takes is saying yes to the unknown. As Nelson Mandela once said: "It always seems impossible until it is done."
Check out Sufiya and her team's UnaVEx Sustainability Action Plan.