SDG 17 and the Role of Universities Achieving Agenda 2030

Abstract

The profound impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic are being exacerbated by political, economic, social, and environmental crisis and have set back almost all Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In order to re-focus our energy to make progress according to the SDGs, education, research, innovation, and leadership will be essential in helping societies address the challenges outlined in Agenda 2030 and the SDGs. Universities, with their broad remit around the creation and dissemination of knowledge and their unique position within society, have a critical role to play in the achievement of the SDGs. Arguably none of the SDGs will be achieved without this sector. Engaging with the SDGs can also benefit universities by helping to demonstrate university impact, capture demand for SDG-related education, build new partnerships, access new funding streams, and define a university that is responsible and globally aware. This chapter’s thesis is that the SDGs will not be achieved without the strategic engagement by the academic sector and that aligning a university’s learning and teaching goals, research, and operational incentives with the SDGs can provide new opportunities and business models. The author will also provide background on higher education’s role in the formation of the SDGs and how this process has framed higher education’s role in achieving the SDGs.

Citation

Seth, N. (2023), "SDG 17 and the Role of Universities Achieving Agenda 2030", Cabrera, Á. and Cutright, D. (Ed.) Higher Education and SDG17: Partnerships for the Goals (Higher Education and the Sustainable Development Goals), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 19-25. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-80455-704-420231002