October 20, 2022

UOW’s contribution to UN’s Sustainable Development Goals the focus of new report

Projects encompass Climate Action, Greater Equality, Health and Wellbeing, and Industry and Energy Transformation

The University of Wollongong (UOW) has released its annual report examining how its research, teaching and learning initiatives align with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The 2021 report, UOW Sustainable Development Goals, provides a comprehensive look at how the University is driving change to create a more secure future..

It brings together the work of UOW’s staff and students under four key themes that reflect the University’s research priorities: Climate and Environmental Sustainability; Health and Wellbeing; Equality and Future Communities; and Industry and Energy Transformation. 

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, provides a shared blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for everyone. 

The 17 SDGs include alleviating poverty, protecting the environment, providing affordable and clean energy, fostering innovation, building sustainable cities and communities, and tackling climate change.

Professor Patricia M. Davidson, UOW Vice-Chancellor and President, said the SDGs offered a framework that all organisations could work towards to have an impact on the world, particularly developing countries.

“At the heart of who we are, UOW is committed to driving positive change. Our researchers, graduates and teachers inspire a better future through education, research and partnerships,” Professor Davidson said.

“This report outlines the initiatives led by our students, staff and community partners in developing a more inclusive, healthy and protected planet. We are making significant progress by contributing world-leading research, equipping our students with a strong sense of social justice, and of course, our recent commitment to make our campuses carbon neutral by 2030.

“I am continually impressed and inspired by the innovation and commitment of our staff. However, we must also remember that we still have a way to go to achieving the SDGs, and that we stand on fragile ground with future generations depending upon us.”

Professor David Currow, UOW’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Health and Sustainable Futures) and Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), said the report offered a unique insight into how the University engaged in collaborative initiatives that had a tangible impact on the world.

“The UOW Sustainable Development Goals Report provides a great overview of how the University and its staff and students are working together with our communities and our industry and research partners to advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals. I am proud of the work that is underway and look forward to seeing what is yet to come,” Professor Currow said.

In 2021, 67 per cent of the University’s international research joint ventures were with developing countries, with 122 active research partnerships with not-for-profit organisations.

As an SDG educational signatory, UOW is a member of the Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Network of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN).

In 2021, the University of Wollongong ranked equal 70th in the world in the Times Higher Education Global Impact Rankings.

The UOW Sustainable Development Goals Report lists each of the 17 SDGs and highlights the University’s activities and initiatives to address each goal. Find out more information about the University’s commitment to the UN SDGs and read the full report: UOW Sustainable Development Goals 2021.