A World Association for Sustainable Development initiative
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About SDGs Universities
Universities working together for the SDGs
SDGs Universities (SDGsUNi) is an initiative of the World Association for Sustainable Development (WASD). It brings universities and research institutions from across the world into one global forum on sustainable development, the UN Agenda 2030 and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
A global forum
Universities and research centres from every region, connected in one network on sustainable development.
Research for the Goals
Evidence-based research that helps countries deliver the UN Agenda 2030 and its 17 SDGs.
The knowledge economy
Helping countries and their young digital natives benefit from global growth in knowledge.
New roles for universities
Rethinking what universities do in a fast-changing, post-Covid world.
Who we are
Why SDGsUNi
SDGsUNi helps universities and research institutions play a critical role in enabling their countries to achieve the UN Agenda 2030 and its 17 SDGs.
Together we look closely at the role and relevance of universities in sustainable, inclusive and knowledge-based development:
- How universities support economic and social development in their countries
- The main obstacles universities face — including from government — and how to overcome them
- The new roles universities should take on after Covid-19
Her Excellency Dr Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General, United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG), Switzerland
“Universities and academic institutions are not only centres of learning but also hubs of innovation, research and community engagement. They play a pivotal role in equipping the next generation with the knowledge and skills needed to achieve sustainable development.”
Research
Better research for the 17 SDGs
There is a significant demand across the world for evidence-based research. SDGsUNi offers practical recommendations and actions to change the way universities carry out and use research for the Goals — including how they access and benefit from the global data published by the UN, the World Bank and other international organisations.
We work with universities on three key questions:
- How do universities see the role of science, technology and innovation in the UN Agenda 2030?
- How do they reflect the 17 SDGs in their own research?
- Is the higher education system in their country using research to solve the country’s problems?
Since the Rio summit in 1992
Business as usual will not suffice
Sustainable development has become a major concern for every country, yet turning its principles into effective economic and environmental policy remains a challenge. In today’s global race for skills and knowledge, universities must act as strategic agents of national development — refocusing their mission so that graduates are ready to help their countries achieve the 17 SDGs.
845Universities in the directory
1,015SDG experts
11World regions
17Sustainable Development Goals
Get involved
Bring your university into the network
Add your university to the directory, join SDGsUNi as a member, or contact the WASD team.