Global Cluster on HESD
Launched in 2018, the IAU Cluster on HESD promotes the role of higher education institutions in building more sustainable societies. It is a consortium of IAU Member universities from all parts of the world, working in collaboration to develop existing and new exciting initiatives to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by all United Nations Member States in the framework of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The Cluster encourages a holistic approach to the SDGs, promoting the whole institution approach, where institutions aim to embed sustainable development in their strategic planning, academic and organizational work.
How do Cluster Members work together?
Each of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals is assigned an institutional team leader, joined by a group of Satellite Universities. The IAU is responsible for leading the work on SDG 17 - Partnerships for the goals.
Peer-to-peer learning amongst the HESD Cluster sparks new ideas and creativity among the Members of the Cluster and encourages other universities to enhance their performance towards achieving a more sustainable future. The Cluster helps generate joint and collaborative projects and other initiatives.
Cluster Leads
SDG 1: No Poverty: University of Ghana, Ghana
SDG 2: Zero Hunger: Antonio Nariño University, Colombia
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being: Western Sydney University, Australia
SDG 4: Quality Education: York University, Canada
SDG 5: Gender Equality: University of Bologna, Italy
SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation: University de la Manouba, Tunisia
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy: Assam Don Bosco University, India
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: University of Gothenburg, Sweden
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: Beirut Arab University, Lebanon
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities: University of Tsukuba, Japan
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: Siam University, Thailand
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production: University of Regina and Luther College, Canada
SDG 13: Climate Action: University of the West Indies, Jamaica/Caribbean
SDG 14: Life Below Water: University of Bergen, Norway
SDG 15: Life on Land: University of Costa Rica, Costa Rica
SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: University of Nairobi, Kenya
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: International Association of Universities (IAU)
Interested in joining the Global Cluster?
If you wish to get involved in the activities of the IAU Global Cluster on Higher Education and Sustainable Development, please contact Isabel Toman, IAU Senior Programme Officer for HESD. Please indicate your institution’s name and your contact details, and do not hesitate to provide information on existing and future initiatives for sustainable development at your institution.