This book focuses on 'educating the sustainability leaders of the future' and will contribute to the further development of this fast-growing field. As the title suggests, it presents practical experiences related to education, research and extension, the so-called third mission, whereby universities conduct outreach to society as a whole (e.g. to local communities, organisations, industry, and other groups) with the aim of documenting such experiences and making them available to a wide audience.

This book is produced by the European School of Sustainability Science and Research (ESSSR), through the Inter-University Sustainable Development Research Programme (IUSDRP) and contains inputs from authors from across all geographical regions.

It gives a special emphasis to the participation of future generations on sustainability efforts. The book also discusses examples of initiatives coordinated by universities but involving civil society, the private sector, and public sector (including local, national, and intergovernmental bodies). In particular, it describes practical experiences, partnerships, networks, and training schemes for building capacity aimed at fostering the cause of sustainable development at institutions of higher education. 

Thanks to its design and the contributions by experts from various areas, it provides a welcome contribution to the literature on sustainable development, and it inspires further works in this field.