The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which was adopted by all member states of the United Nations in 2015, provides a global framework for improving the quality of life of all people on our planet. At the heart of this plan are 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which direct efforts towards eradicating poverty, reducing inequality and stimulating economic growth, while simultaneously caring for the environment.

Universities play a key role in achieving the goals of sustainable development, as they serve as incubators of new ideas and solutions for the numerous global challenges we face.

The UN therefore launched The United Nations Academic Impact initiative in 2010, which connects students, the academic community, scientists and researchers around the world. Thanks to a dynamic network of higher education institutions, this initiative serves the wider international community as a source of energy and innovation for young people and the research community.

UN goals 4 (Quality education) and 5 (Gender equality) directly relate to universities because they emphasize the need for equal access to quality education for all. With this, the United Nations clearly shows that inequality in access to higher education is one of the main causes of poverty.

There are three key roles of universities in achieving the goals of the Sustainable Development Plan until 2030:

1. Expansion of human capital

Universities must integrate sustainable development into their educational programs so that students become aware of the social, economic and environmental implications of their future careers. Students should be encouraged to act responsibly towards society and the environment in their professional work.

2. Research

University researchers play an important role in the development of innovative solutions that can contribute to meeting the goals of sustainable development at the global, national and local levels. Special emphasis should be placed on interdisciplinary research that recognizes the mutual intertwining of different goals. In order to fully realize their potential, universities should cooperate with international partners and exchange knowledge and experiences of good practice.

3. Implementation of the Plan

University development projects should be aligned with broader efforts by government, civil society and the private sector, which will ensure an integrated approach and effective implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. In this context, universities can serve as "living labs" for sustainable development, enabling the practical application of sustainable practices within their campuses.