In September 2015 the United Nations adopted the resolution ‘Transforming Our World: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.’ The resolution sets out a bold and ambitious plan for Peace, People, Planet, Prosperity and Partnerships and it pledges to leave no-one behind.

To achieve these ambitious aims the UN has developed 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are interdependent and indivisible.

The goals are focused on tackling the huge social, environmental and economic challenges we face. From eradicating poverty and hunger, to building a just and peaceful society which enables good health and well-being, inclusive economic growth and an environmentally sustainable planet.

There are a total of 169 individual targets and 230 indicators that sit beneath the SDGs. These set out the actions we urgently need to take in order to achieve the goals. 

Do you know all 17 SDGs?

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity.

We are resolved to free the human race from the tyranny of poverty and want and to heal and secure our planet. We are determined to take the bold and transformative steps, which are urgently needed to shift the world on to a sustainable and resilient path. As we embark on this collective journey, we pledge that no one will be left behind

United Nations, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

Alignment with the University's mission

The University's Strategy 2026 sets out our overarching mission as the ‘advancement of learning and ennoblement of life’. The‘advancement of learning’ element of the mission, in terms of both education and research, is a core component of the SDGs and is considered to be an important driver for change, impacting on many other goals. The ‘ennoblement of life’, with its aims to enhance, to respect and to value also has clear synergies with the SDG mission. In many ways the 17 SDGs, which collectively capture the universal aims of Peace, Prosperity, People, Planet and Partnerships could be thought of as a framework for the ennoblement of life.

Read our full report on how we are engaging with the Sustainable Development Goals.