ICSD 2021 P7 | University Transformations for the SDGs: From Concept to Action
Channel: SDSN
Date: 2021-09-21

Universities are uniquely positioned to support the societal transformations that are needed to achieve the SDGs, through their research, education and leadership. However, universities’ ability to respond to the complexity, scale and urgency of action needed can be hampered by structural constraints within institutions and within the university sector more broadly. To strongly support societal transformations for the SDGs, universities themselves need to transform, and the SDGs themselves can offer a framework to guide profound institutional evolution.

But what do these university transformations for the SDGs actually entail, and how can they be put into practice? In this session we will explore these significant questions in two parts:

At the start of the session, we are excited to be launching a new set of innovative and inspiring case studies from around the world in support of the SDSN guide “Accelerating education for the SDGs in universities”.

In the second part of the session, we will have a conversation with leaders who are supporting universities to embark on the transformation journey. We will also launch a new SDSN Working Group on University Transformations, which over the coming year will aim to capture best practices from around the world and provide practical guidance on promoting action.  

Agenda
1. Introduction & announcement of new case studies: Tahl Kestin

2. University transformations for the SDGs and announcement of new working group: Wendy Purcell 

Panel moderated by María Cortés Puch:

- John Thwaites, Monash University

- Carlos Mataix, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid

- Tawana Kupe, University of Pretoria

- Liz Price, Manchester Metropolitan University

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About the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN):

The UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) was set up in 2012 under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General. SDSN mobilizes global scientific and technological expertise to promote practical solutions for sustainable development, including the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Climate Agreement. SDSN works closely with United Nations agencies, multilateral financing institutions, the private sector, and civil society.

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