Transforming Our World: Shaping the Path Forward 

A decade ago, in 2015, the United Nations adopted Agenda 2030 and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), expanding the concept of sustainable development to encompass inclusive social and economic progress, environmental stewardship, and global peace and security. Designed as a universal and people-centered framework, Agenda 2030 applies to all nations and acknowledges academia as a key partner. However, it fell short of explicitly emphasizing the critical role of higher education in driving sustainable development forward. 

With just five years remaining until 2030, progress toward the SDGs remains insufficient. The world continues to face mounting crises, from environmental challenges to geopolitical instability, making the need for bold action more urgent than ever. 

The outcomes of the 2023 SDG Summit, the adoption of the UN Pact for the Future in 2024, and annual UN High-Level Political Forums provide valuable insights into the gaps and challenges that lie ahead. By 2027, the UN will decide on the next steps for advancing sustainable development beyond 2030. 

In this critical moment, the International Association of Universities (IAU) calls on higher education leaders to reflect on their engagement with the SDGs and to share insights on both the achievements and shortcomings of the current agenda. More importantly, it is an invitation for a forward-looking discussion on the evolving role of higher education in driving transformation beyond 2030. 

Key questions for reflection include: 

• What changes are needed to accelerate progress toward sustainable development? 

• How can universities contribute more effectively, and should their role be redefined? 

• What are the lacunas of the current Agenda 2030, is there a need for new goals or refined objectives?

Leaders of higher education institutions are invited to contribute to help shape the road beyond 2030 by sharing their views, perspectives and aspirations for the future through short opinion pieces.

The time to reflect and act is now. 

Practical information

• The call is directed at the leaders of IAU Member institutions and organizations. Co-authors are welcome.  

• Please submit the proposed abstract by 20 February 2025 (midnight CET). 

• The deadline for submission of the full opinion piece is 15 March 2025. 

Submit your abstract here.