The International Association of Universities (IAU) is pleased to launch the report of the third global survey on Higher Education and Research for Sustainable Development (HESD) , which was conducted in 2022.

In total, 464 valid responses from higher education institutions in 120 countries were collected. The findings show that higher education and partnerships are essential to address the global challenges identified in the UN Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to build a more sustainable future together. Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are in a unique position to foster the engagement with sustainable development (SD) taking a whole-institution approach to Teaching and Learning, Research and Community Engagement.

Furthermore, the survey looked closer at partnerships, leadership and strategy for SD and the relatively new concept of Climate Change Education (CCE). This report provides data and thus shows the global commitment and responsibilities of many HEIs towards the 2030 Agenda and SD more generally.

The survey was conducted in collaboration with the following partners:

• ASEF (Asia-Europe Foundation)
• Crue (Conferencia de Rectores de Universidades Españolas)
• MECCE (The Monitoring and Evaluating Climate Communication and Education Project)

>>> Download the Report here

The virtual launch event on 31st January presented the report and experts from different countries were invited to discuss the results and its implications for universities working with sustainable development, in particular the SDGs. The recording of the session can be found here on the IAU Youtube channel.

Higher Education and Research for Sustainable Development (HESD) has been a key priority for the International Association of Universities since 1993. Over the last few years, sustainable development has become increasingly important, not only for the Association and Higher Education but for societies globally.

For any comments or questions, please contact Isabel Toman