In September of 2015, the United Nations unanimously adopted the 2030 Agenda to promote sustainable development. This step is considered a major political milestone of international collaboration in the area of sustainability. The agenda includes 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) that focus equally on social, economic and environmental sustainability. The goals call on every country to work together to solve the world's pressing challenges and to commit to promoting sustainable development in every possible way.
What role do universities play?
In light of the growing climate and biodiversity crisis as well as the crossing of six of the nine planetary boundaries quantified by international researchers, it is increasingly important to use objective knowledge and sound solutions to address today's problems and promote a more sustainable future. Universities play a decisive role in this process by contributing their knowledge, innovations and science-based solutions to reaching the sustainable development goals (SDGs). At the same time, educational institutions have an important role to play in training future researchers, leaders and members of society to take on responsibility for the corresponding social transformation and sustainable development.
How does the University of Konstanz contribute to sustainable development?
The University of Konstanz, too, is committed to the SDGs which provide the framework for sustainable development at the university. Researchers at the university make a significant contribution to reaching these sustainability goals through their research as well as their teaching and transfer activities. They provide impetus for sustainable action, give advice on how to manage crises and develop promising technologies that enable and support social transformation.