The University of Manchester has released a new report setting out how it is tackling the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
As the UK’s first university to have social responsibility as a core goal, The University of Manchester is committed to supporting the 17 issues outlined by the UN as the most pressing facing humanity and the natural world, which include quality education, gender equality, reduced inequalities, climate action and sustainable cities and communities.
The University of Manchester is facing these challenges head on and, for 200 years, it has responded to the needs of its city, the nation and the world. The university understands there is a profound obligation on great research universities to meet the challenges set out in the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The university’s strategy to meet these challenges is comprised of four inter-related strands: research, learning and students, public engagement and operations.
In the Times Higher Education Impact rankings, based on performance across the 17 goals, The University of Manchester is the top-ranked institution in the UK and in Europe, and second in the world.
Manchester is the only university in the world to have featured in the global top 10 each year since the rankings were established in 2019.
The university is also proud to be the top performing institution in Europe for Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) performance in the QS World University Sustainability Rankings.
Dr Julian Skyrme, executive director of social responsibility and civic engagement, said: “This latest publication summarises some key ways that we’re addressing the world’s biggest action plan, reflected in the 17 United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. It is part of our broader commitment to reporting and sharing progress towards these important global goals.”
The report outlines that The University of Manchester published more than 22,000 pieces of research on the Sustainable Development Goals over the past five years, which is 4% of the UK’s entire share of publications.
It details teaching and learning programmes that address the SDGs, such as the ‘Creating a Sustainable World’ interdisciplinary unit.
The report also draws attention to the role of the university’s four cultural institutions, other initiatives that are engaging the public with the goals, and the ways in which people, estate and finance operations are contributing to sustainable development.
It is hoped the report stimulates the exchange of ideas, collaboration opportunities and partnerships so that, together, everyone can play a role in tackling these crucial goals by 2030.
