TACKLING THE WORLD’S MOST PRESSING CHALLENGES
Our vision for UWS is to be among the global leaders of excellent, relevant and purposeful research aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. UWS has committed to placing the SDGs at the heart of our Strategy 2030. Set by the United Nations General Assembly, the Sustainable Development Goals or Global Goals are a collection of 17 interlinked global goals designed to be a "blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all" by the year 2030.
On May 9th, 2024, UWS played host to a one-day conference examining the key role universities in Scotland can play in helping to achieve SDG focused positive outcomes in social and economic equality. The conference was led by academics from our School of Business and Creative Industries and Education and Social Sciences and was attended by academics and key stakeholders from a range of organisations, including NGOs, from the UK and beyond. Keynote speakers included experts from UNHCR and the United Nations Evaluation Group (UNEG). The conference focused on how universities have contributed to SDG-aligned initiatives and objectives by conducting research and delivering outputs which have had tangible impacts on promoting economic and social cohesion.
Download UN SDG Conference Programme
UWS is committed to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals
In the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2025, UWS has been ranked in the world’s top 300 universities for sustainable development.
And 26th in the world for impact on reducing inequalities (Sustainable Development Goal 10).
Over 1200 universities from around the globe were assessed for their contributions to SDG10; with the top institutions selected for their commitment to ensuring equal opportunity and inclusion.
“We’re incredibly proud to have achieved this ranking, recognising our impact in reducing inequalities. As Scotland's leading university for widening participation, with the belief that education should be available to all, this achievement is testament to the hard work of each and every colleague in embedding that ethos.”
Professor James Miller, Principal and Vice-Chancellor
UWS & UNITED NATIONS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
In the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025, UWS was the 26th most impactful university in the world for ‘reducing inequalities’ (UN Sustainable Development Goal 10). This demonstrates our commitment to sustainability and, building on our existing research and education strengths, transforming our world and improving lives. To find out how UWS is responding to this urgent call for action through research, navigate to the individual sustainable development goals icons, below.
