In 2019, we signed the University Commitment which recognises the significant scope of work needed to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the important role university communities play in reaching these goals. We are committed to sustainability for ourselves, our surrounding communities, and the world.
The SDGs offer a shared framework for all levels of government, businesses, community groups and education organisations to prioritise action between 2015 to 2030, across environmental, socio-cultural and economic sustainability.
“The finite qualities of islands remind us that ecologically and socially we need to be a sustainable place; we must work with ecosystems, not against them, and that we must work together. As we think about that stewardship and the broader tasks of being sustainable, we are guided in our thinking by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals”.
The University takes a holistic approach to sustainability that centres the rights of first nations people and supports increased recognition of first nations peoples in the next revision of the UN SDGs framework. Respecting traditional owners and their deep history with their lands, skies and waters, we strive to act in the best interests of not only the current generation but of generations to come.
Our commitment and approach to sustainability are outlined in our Strategic Framework for Sustainability (PDF 3.1 MB). The Framework details how we work to holistically enact this approach in our teaching, learning and research activities, along with being woven through our operations and engagement with our partners and communities. As an education organisation, we know it is vital that all members of our community, whether students, staff or community members, engage with international sustainability frameworks, such as the SDGs.
The University is positioned through our policies and strategies to leverage the SDGs through (…) a curriculum that seeks to allow students to broaden and personalise their experience by integrating studies with extracurricular involvement and future aspirations, including leadership and service opportunities, community engagement, industry engagement and engagement with the big ideas and complex problems of our time.