In light of growing geopolitical instability and rapidly evolving management paradigms, the integration of sustainability into strategic educational action has become essential. This paper aims to explore how higher education institutions, and specifically the University of Bari can actively contribute to sustainable development trough innovative educational programs. It presents the Advanced Training Course ‘Sustainability Management for Sustainable Development’ as a best practice for capacity building, focusing on the interdisciplinary and systemic training approach adopted, and for the first time, the inclusion of ISO 37101 on sustainable development management systems in academic curricula in Italy. By analyzing the design and implementation of this course, the paper demonstrates how universities can act as catalysts for cultural and generational shifts toward sustainability, preparing students and staff to address contemporary challenges such as the climate crisis, energy transition, and social resilience. The conclusions emphasize the strategic role of universities in embedding sustainability at the core of their educational mission and highlight the potential replicability of this model in other academic contexts.