Bringing Together Diverse Stakeholders to Reimagine Higher Education
Higher education (HE) is vital to shaping futures that are inclusive, just, and sustainable. Yet, higher education institutions (HEIs) around the world are grappling with how to adapt to an evolving world. To explore these challenges and address the critical role and potential of, as well as trust in, HEIs, UN Academic Impact along with partners convened the Global Higher Education Symposium under the theme “'Advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for 2030”.
Ahfad University REED Summer Training Attachment Resumes
The School of Rural Extension Education and Development (REED) at UNAI member institution Ahfad University for Women in Sudan has resumed its Summer Training Attachment (STA) program. With a focus on community engagement, data collection, and addressing local challenges like poverty and displacement, the STA Program connects students with rural communities for hands-on experience in development projects. After a two-year suspension due to war, 20 students are now placed in four villages.
Koya University Launches Prestigious Prize to Promote Sustainability and Environmental Protection
UNAI member institution Koya University proudly announces the launch of the “Koya University Sustainability and Environment Protection Prize”, a landmark initiative aimed at encouraging excellence in environmental stewardship, sustainable innovation, and climate action across academic institutions in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and beyond.
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Founds Space Law & Sustainability Center
Increased activity in space has enabled greater communication capabilities and other technological advancements through satellites, but with this increased activity comes increased pollution. To study space law from a sustainability perspective, space lawyer Ioana Bratu (Amsterdam Law & Technology Institute) and environmental policy professor Philipp Pattberg (Amsterdam Sustainability Institute) founded the Space Law & Sustainability Center at UNAI member institution Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.
UEM Event Highlights Climate Action in Universities
This May, UNAI member institution The State University of Maringá hosted a ceremony and expert roundtable to highlight low-carbon strategies in higher education, honoring key sustainability initiatives aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. Organized by the Planning and Institutional Development Office (PLD), the event included a piano performance, speeches from institutional leaders, and tributes to projects and individuals contributing to sustainable development.
KIIT University and UNSSC Join Forces to Empower Global Changemakers
Initially established as an industrial training institute, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT University) in Odisha, India has grown into a globally recognized university, offering a wide array of courses across multiple disciplines. Now, in a landmark partnership, KIIT University and the United Nations System Staff College (UNSSC) have joined forces to create transformative learning opportunities for young leaders and changemakers.
BUITEMS: World Water Day Workshop for Gardeners on Water Conservation
On 22 March, Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering, and Management Sciences organized a workshop to educate the university gardeners on the importance of water conservation in celebration of the World Water Day 2025, providing them with practical tips and strategies to reduce water wastage in a session delivered by Mr. Sulaiman Kasi, Director Administration & General Services.
Enhancing Teaching & Expanding Access: Handong UNITWIN OCW Program
The Handong UNITWIN Fellowship OpenCourseWare program at UNAI member institution Handong Global University has supported over 900 professors in 20 developing countries, enhancing teaching capacity and student access to free educational resources. This semester, it is assisting 25 professors in creating online lecture materials and has introduced a video on interactive online teaching.
Teaching Tools Ask "Are We on Track to Reach the SDGs by 2030?"
‘SDGs by 2030 – are we on track?’ is a digital resource showing how academics at the University of Sydney are working to achieve specific SDG targets. The endeavour includes 29 short narratives, infographics and student assignments that can be used as teaching prompts for academics looking to incorporate the SDGs into their course guides.
From Classrooms to Communities: INSEAD’s Story of Impact Entrepreneurship
In recent years, societal risks such as inequality, along with environmental threats together with armed conflicts, have ranked among the world's top concerns, as the 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer highlights an unprecedented level of distrust in government, NGOs, media, and, of course, business. In response, impact entrepreneurship has emerged as a powerful force for addressing some of the world's most urgent challenges.
Manchester Metropolitan University launches new Institute for Children’s Futures
To mark World Children’s Day, Manchester Metropolitan University welcomed over 100 delegates to celebrate the launch of its new Institute for Children’s Futures (ICF). The ICF brings together the University’s existing academic expertise and will work with children and young people, policymakers, and practitioners through research, policy innovation and action to tackle the diverse challenges faced by children and young people.
UAVEIRO REAP: Recycling and Reimbursement of PET Packaging Pilot System
In 2020, the University of Aveiro applied for the Environment, Climate Change and Low Carbon Economy Program, with the aim of improving its waste management by including a reimbursement system for the deposit of polyethene terephthalic (PET) bottles and non-reusable cans. The basic principle of the REAP project is the possibility that UAveiro’s students and workers could be reimbursed for each bottle they return.
UiB Plastic Cleanup Campaign 2024: "Plastic Island"
Students and staff from the University of Bergen, together with long-standing partners, cleaned “Plastic Island” Lisle Lyngøy during this year’s plastic cleanup campaign. The cleanup campaign, held on September 12, was organized by UiB’s Plastics Network and the Sustainability Pilots in collaboration with Bergen og Omland Friluftsråd (BOF) and Naturvernforbundet Hordaland.
Oxford’s SDG Lab Empowers Students for Sustainable Impact
The Oxford SDG Impact Lab was founded in 2021 to empower University of Oxford students to lead transformative research projects aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Lab partners with both global industry leaders and local community organisations, providing students with unique opportunities to address pressing challenges in areas like sustainable tourism, climate action, health, and social inclusion.
Yenepoya University Centre for Ethics Celebrates International Day of Peace
UNAI member institution, the Yenepoya University Centre for Ethics, celebrated the International Day of Peace (21 September) with a programme of events aiming to foster and shape the understanding of peace within the community and beyond. An interactive event featuring impactful speakers, the programme fostered discussion and reflection amongst participants.