Measuring higher education’s contribution to the SDGs 

The Sustainable Development SDGs call for all societal actors to accept their share of responsibility and to take direct action. Higher education institutions (HEIs) have a very high potential, as their research, innovation, engagement and development of human capital are essential steppingstones for the contribution of the SDGs, so they are in a privileged position to lead these collective efforts. 

However, most HEI practices towards the SDGs are scattered and uncoordinated. To move towards structural, institutional and actionable commitments, HEIs need to embrace measuring and monitoring mechanisms. Similar to governmental Voluntary National Reviews, we suggest HEIs to undertake University Voluntary Reviews to be more systematic and accountable in their contributions to the SDGs. 

In this hybrid event organized by UNESCO IESALC, in collaboration with the Permanent Mission of the Federal Republic of Germany to the United Nations, and UN Academic Impact, higher education stakeholders from different world regions will discuss the need for University Voluntary Reviews and the challenges in translating the SDGs into actionable institutional practices.  

This event will also be the official launch of the Sustainability Self-Evaluation Tool for HEIs (SET4HEI), created by UNESCO IESALC in partnership with several UN agencies. SET4HEI is a free comprehensive resource that supports HEIs to measure and increase their contribution to the SDGs. 

This is an official side event within the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development organized by the UN Economic and Social Council. It is also associated to the HESI Global Forum 2024. 

More information and registration: here