Supporting Glasgow with Sustainable Development Goals

Published: 18 May 2023

Student interns Andy Barr & Tom Campbell talk about their work on UN Sustainable Development Goals and our Times Higher Education Impact Rankings submission for 2023.

 

Student interns Andy Barr & Tom Campbell talk about their work on UN Sustainable Development Goals and our Times Higher Education Impact Rankings submission for 2023.

Last year, we joined the Planning, Insight and Analytics Unit as Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) interns to support the data collection for the 2023 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings submission. The Impact Rankings measure the success of Higher Education Institutions all over the world in promoting and integrating the SDGs. In 2022, the University of Glasgow was ranked 19th in the world, so we were incredibly excited by the prospect of joining the team to help build on this success. 

The 2022 THE Impact Rankings was the first time that the University of Glasgow had submitted to the Rankings. As such, aside from the solid foundation that had been setup by a few colleagues in the department, we were all new to the field, interns and staff alike. In that there was a great sense of shared experience and as interns we were welcomed into the team just as any other employee. For the 2023 Impact Rankings, we had the additional challenge to submit evidence to support each SDG and showcase the efforts of the entire University community’s commitment to operate sustainably and contribute to net-zero. Even though the University had only submitted for the first time the year before, how do you improve on what was already an amazing result?  

We could not let the side down; the pressure was on! 

Implementing the SDGs has been highly rewarding because on a fundamental level they recognise that the movement to achieve sustainability is intertwined with the need for greater social equality, human rights protection, poverty reduction, and fair economic growth. The SDGs has allowed us to engage with a wide range of people across the University, all under a shared vision.  

One area we both found surprising, or at least had not quite fully appreciated prior to taking on this role, is the shear comprehensive nature of the SDGs. To achieve sustainability, the discussion and consequential actions must add to more than climate action. Not to curb the importance of climate awareness by any means, but in addition to, highlight how the SDGs refocus and broaden the conversation around sustainability. Whilst green efforts are vital to tackling this one aspect of the SDGs, sustainability encompasses more than that. Sustainability has an immediate human factor to it which include tackling inequalities across socio-economic areas such as health, education, gender equality and poverty. As a centre for research, innovation and education, the University is an ideal example of how we can use our vast skills and expertise across all disciplines to help achieve sustainability. Not just for us an institution but within the wider community and on a broader national and potentially international stage.  

Beyond the Impact Rankings, we have been involved in supporting the submission to the SDG Accord, efforts to build student networks for the SDGs, and the development of the SDG Champions network. The key to the future of sustainability at the University of Glasgow is ensuring a robust SDG network across the University so that staff, students and, of course, interns can engage readily. 

As sustainable initiatives, research and practices continue to proliferate across the University we look forward to continuing our work with the team that we have been so warmly welcomed in to. Looking ahead, we aim to improve year on year in the Impact Rankings and further establish an inclusive and strong grid of partnerships throughout the University, engaging closely with our partners to achieve our aims of sustainable living and carbon neutrality in the years to come.  

To close, it is important to say that everyone’s contribution to these efforts is necessary and vital to protect our peoples and planet.  

Andy Barr and Tom Campbell


The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity.

The University has a commitment to support the UN SDGs, and last year we were proud to rank 19th in the world in the first THE Impact Rankings 2022, which measure the performance of 1,406 universities towards meeting these goals.

Last year the University partnered with Times Higher Education to host the inaugural Global Sustainable Development Congress. The Congress brought together a range of experts from across higher education, government and the private sector to explore how we work together to build a more sustainable future and support the delivery of the UN SDGs.

As we prepare for the publication of this year’s THE Impact Rankings, due to be announced in June, we shine a light on some of the areas where we are having an impact through our academic work and operations. 

First published: 18 May 2023

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