How can higher education administrators promote the SDGs in their curriculum and research?

2 Integrate the SDGs into your curriculum

Another way you can promote the SDGs is to integrate them into your curriculum across all disciplines and levels. This means embedding the SDGs into your learning outcomes, course content, pedagogy, and assessment. You can also offer interdisciplinary and experiential learning opportunities that expose your students to the real-world challenges and solutions related to the SDGs. By doing so, you can equip your students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes they need to become responsible and active citizens.

3 Foster a culture of research for impact

A third way you can promote the SDGs is to foster a culture of research for impact in your institution. This means encouraging and supporting your faculty and staff to conduct relevant and rigorous research that addresses the SDGs and contributes to social and environmental change. You can also facilitate collaboration and communication among your researchers and external partners, such as NGOs, governments, businesses, and communities, to enhance the quality and impact of your research.

4 Engage with your community and stakeholders

A fourth way you can promote the SDGs is to engage with your community and stakeholders in meaningful and mutually beneficial ways. This means involving your students, faculty, staff, alumni, and donors in your SDG initiatives and activities, and soliciting their feedback and input. You can also reach out to your local and regional partners, such as schools, media, civil society, and public authorities, to raise awareness and advocacy for the SDGs and to create synergies and opportunities for cooperation.

5 Monitor and report your progress and challenges

A fifth way you can promote the SDGs is to monitor and report your progress and challenges in implementing them in your institution. This means establishing indicators and targets that measure your performance and impact in relation to the SDGs, and collecting and analyzing data and evidence to inform your decision-making and improvement. You can also share your achievements and lessons learned with your internal and external audiences, and showcase your best practices and innovations.

6 Learn from others and join networks

A sixth way you can promote the SDGs is to learn from others and join networks that support the SDGs in higher education. This means benchmarking and exchanging experiences and insights with other institutions that are committed to the SDGs, and identifying areas of strength and improvement. You can also participate in regional and global networks and platforms that offer resources, guidance, and recognition for your SDG efforts, such as the UN Academic Impact, the SDG Academy, and the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?