#PlanetPartners: University doing something about global issues

04 May 2021

The University of Reading is calling on its entire community to reflect on and share their efforts to tackle major problems facing the world.

The work of researchers, lecturers, students and others to support the internationally-recognised United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is the subject of a new campaign running throughout the month of May.

The 17 SDGs cover global problems such as poverty, climate change and health, and are intended to focus the efforts of organisations in helping to solve them around the world. At the University of Reading, which has highlighted the principles of sustainability, community, engagement and excellence in its institutional strategy, these goals are integral to much of its research, teaching and broader institutional mission.

Following Reading’s strong performance in the 2021 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, which scored universities on their work towards the SDGs, the University will showcase its work against every one of these during May – and wants everyone to get involved.

“This campaign will bring everyone in our community together to think about and share what they are doing to contribute towards providing solutions to societal and environmental issues, and how we can do more.” - Professor Robert Van de Noort, University of Reading

Professor Robert Van de Noort, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Reading, said: “The United Nations goals to eradicate major global problems through positive action reflect our own as a university, as we seek to be a force for good in the world.

“This campaign will bring everyone in our community together to think about and share what they are doing to contribute towards providing solutions to societal and environmental issues, and how we can do more.”

Starting on Wednesday 5 May, the University’s campaign will focus on one SDG per day, pointing to examples of its work under their five themes - People Prosperity, Planet, Peace and Partnership - and inviting colleagues to share their own.

Although the THE Impact Rankings only required evidence of how universities are working towards four of the SDGs, Reading submitted evidence to all 17, demonstrating a commitment to contribute to the SDGs in every possible way.

The campaign will conclude with an online Q&A session with the Vice-Chancellor between 2-3pm on 28 May.