How can the 2030 SDG's Agenda be put back on the right path? - June 2020

Post date: Jun 26, 2020 10:25:15 AM

Nature’s Editorial of 2 Jan 2020 stresses that at the current rate, most of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will not be met by the set target date. One of the identified problems at country level is that these goals are competing with GDP goals. The Editor raises a very pertinent question: how can the 2030 Agenda be put back on the right path? It is my strong conviction that universities can and must play a more proactive and prominent role in embracing the SDGs. Why universities? Because universities train the decision-makers of tomorrow; they are viewed as independent; they can shape behavior and they champion ethics and values; universities can deal with complex problems through research and innovation.

Amidst all the challenges universities are facing - disruption, technology-driven, university-business cooperation, entrepreneurial-focused and socially-engaged, transnational education, partnerships, openness – we should nonetheless reflect on how to contribute more effectively to the SDGs and on how universities can align their actions and partnerships in a concerted manner.

At the University of Mauritius (UoM), we have been actively involved for several years in integrating sustainability science and technology across our curricula as well as extensively engaging in research pertaining to sustainability issues of national importance. The UoM’s new vision, coined in 2017, to develop a research-engaged and entrepreneurial university focused on innovation, is itself inspired from SDG 9 which is about building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable development and fostering innovation. In all our endeavours, we strive to keep the SDGs at the centre of our focus.

See more: https://www.britishcouncil.org/going-global/blog-posts/university-mauritius-sdgs

* Professor Jhurry will be speaking at the BC’s Live Event - 'From Global Goals to Global Learning' - on 25 June 2020, at 9 a.m British Summer Time.

Source: British Council Website- Vice-Chancellor’s SDG Blog

Author: Prof Dhanjay Jhurry