About the SDGs
UTS is proud to be one of the first Australian universities to become a signatory to the University Commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a framework for the community and businesses, government and nations to work towards solving the planet’s biggest challenges. Agreed to in 2015 by all countries that make up the United Nations the 17 goals with 169 targets and 232 indicators provide a roadmap to guide and measure progress. Importantly, the SDGs include natural, social, cultural and governance considerations. At their core is peace, justice, equality and sustainability.
Our impact
Universities have a vital role to play in helping achieve the SDGs though their research, facilitating innovation, leading by example, and collaborating with community partners. Select a goal below to see specific examples of how UTS staff and students are making an impact.
Sustainable Development Goals
No poverty
Poverty is one of the world’s worst, yet entirely solvable problems. There are enough resources for everyone if only they were shared more equitably. Poverty...
Zero hunger
Around eight per cent of the global population, or 673 million people, suffer from insecure food supplies, with the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbating the problem....
Good health and well-being
Well before the COVID-19 pandemic, infectious diseases caused millions of premature deaths every year. Non-communicable diseases (such as cancer) kill millions...
Quality education
Globally, 53% of the adult population has basic level 1 literacy or lower. Even in Australia, one of the wealthiest countries, approximately 12% of adults sit...
Gender equality
Around the world and in Australia women and girls face discrimination, violence and forced marriages. Women are denied recognition and leadership roles and...
Clean water and sanitation
Billions of people worldwide do not have access to clean drinking water and well managed sanitation, with population pressures and climate change exacerbating...
Affordable and clean energy
Worldwide more than 750 million people lack access to reliable electricity, with billions more relying on dirty polluting energy systems. The rapid transition...
Decent work and economic growth
Informal and insecure work accounts for over 60% of employment globally. In many countries including Australia women and young people are disproportionally...
Industry, innovation and infrastructure
The United Nations reports that almost 85 per cent of the global population was covered by a 4G mobile and internet network by the end of 2020, a twofold...
Reduced inequalities
The proportion of the global population who are refugees has more than doubled since 2010, with 2020 registering the highest number of refugees ever recorded....
Sustainable cities and communities
Worldwide more than 1 billion people live in slums. Safe and affordable housing, transport, and effective water and waste management are essential for...
Responsible consumption and production
The planetary crisis of climate, biodiversity loss and pollution are all under-pinned by unsustainable production and consumption. Our consumption of natural...
Climate action
Climate change is already affecting every nation. Australia is experiencing more intense droughts, bushfires, floods and storms. Ecosystems and local economies...
Life below water
The oceans are under severe threat from over fishing, pollution (including plastic pollution), acidification, and warming. The full extent of these threats...
Life on land
Deforestation and land degradation are major global problems, resulting in a crisis of habitat and biodiversity loss. Protection and conservation targets are...
Peace, justice and strong institutions
Peaceful and just societies are essential if we are to achieve sustainability. Solid legal frameworks and strong institutions underpin inclusive, just...
Partnerships for the goals
Implementing solutions requires effective partnerships. At the international level this must include financial assistance to developing nations as well as fair...
September is Global Goals Month
Celebrating awareness of, and our contribution to, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A shared worldwide commitment across academia, community and governments to accelerate action on the SDGs.