Monash signs landmark agreement on Sustainable Development Goals
Monash University has signed a landmark university commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), following an announcement at the Australian SDG summit in Sydney today.
The 17 Sustainable Development Goals, adopted by all countries at the United Nations, are aimed at bringing global economic prosperity, social inclusion and environmental sustainability. They include goals for health, education, gender equality, jobs, climate change, the environment and justice and apply to all countries, including Australia, guiding global development to 2030.
Monash President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Margaret Gardner AO, said the University was proud to play its part as a signatory to the University Commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
“Monash supports and promotes the principles of the Sustainable Development Goals through our world leading research, innovation and education. We will strive to ensure our campuses and major programs are environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive, which will include reporting on our activities in support of the goals.”
The Commitment is an initiative of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Australia/Pacific, which is a chapter of a global network of universities and knowledge institutions launched by the UN Secretary General to mobilise global scientific and technological expertise in support of sustainable development and the SDGs.
SDSN Australia/Pacific is working to build university leadership on the SDGs and advocating for the higher education sector to be recognised as a critical partner in SDG implementation in Australia.
Chair of SDSN Australia/Pacific, Monash’s Professor John Thwaites, said that universities had a critical role to play in achieving the SDGs.
“Through teaching, our universities equip the next generation of leaders and innovators with the knowledge and skills to address sustainable development challenges. Through research and technical expertise, universities are at the forefront of developing practical solutions to the social, economic and environmental challenges of the SDGs.
“Importantly, by supporting the goals through their own operations, governance and community leadership, universities can set an example to other sectors.
“Universities are an important partner to government, business and the wider community in the implementation of the SDGs and this role should be recognised and resourced,” Professor Thwaites said.
The University Commitment to the SDGs can be viewed here.