Our approach to the SDGs

The United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 goals which provide a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. They are at the heart of 'The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development', which was adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015.

In short, the SDGs provide a blueprint for sustainable development and a sustainable future, which set out targets to end poverty, protect the planet, and achieve prosperity for all by 2030.

The University of Exeter signed the Sustainable Development Goals Accord in 2019, committing to report on the SDGs on an annual basis and beginning the process of embedding the SDGs in the curriculum, research and wider activities at the university. In addition, we also participate in the annual SDG Teach In.

With the backdrop of the climate and ecological crisis, inequality, and poverty, the transition to a more sustainable way of life is more important than ever, and education is key to catalysing shifts towards more sustainable behaviours and lifestyles.

As a University we are committed to embedding the SDGs across all courses and the experience of our staff and students. To support this we have created 17 Vodcasts - one for each SDG - to highlight how we are approaching and contributing to the delivery of each. In addition, the Education Thematic Forum have developed a project plan (Education Thematic Forum - Embedding the SDGs) for raising awareness and providing training on delivering SDGs in the curriculum, to be progressed in 2022/23.