Welcome to the IAU portal | Higher Education and research for Sustainable Development

Welcome to the Higher Education and Research for Sustainable Development (HESD) Portal

This global portal is a tool developed by the International Association of Universities (IAU) for its Members, partners and the general public already since 2012. It provides access to university actions and more initiatives developed around the world to promote sustainability and contribute to the SDGs.

New functionalities and an improved layout - IAU is pleased to present the latest version of IAU HESD Portal. Kindly note that we are still making changes to further improve the user experience, so in case you encounter any issues, please try again or contact us to report a problem. Thank you for your patience and we hope you enjoy the new page!

Find initiatives, connect and be active for a more sustainable future and the UN SDGs!

IAU Members’ and Partners’ News

High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development 2025

The IAU will participate in the High-Level Political Forum 2025 to advocate for the role of higher education in achieving the SDGs. IAU will contribute to several key events, including the UNAI Higher Education Symposium, the HESI Global Forum, and a side event on SDG 8.

Bridging Academia and Action: Virtual Side Event on SDG 14

As part of the UN Ocean Conference, IAU and partners organised an online event discussing how to advance partnerships, knowledge sharing, and Ocean Literacy. Watch the recording now!

IGGAs 2025: Finalists announced!

Almost 100 institutions got shortlisted in the 2025 version of the International Green Gown Awards! Discover the different categories and sustainability projects!

New Report Launched: Responsible Futures International Pilot

The IAU and SOS-UK have launched the Responsible Futures International Pilot Report, highlighting key impacts, outcomes, and lessons from the 2023/24 programme involving institutions across six countries.

AIUB joins RF International

Highlighting AIUB’s participation in the 2024/25 Responsible Futures International programme, a global initiative co-delivered by IAU and SOS-UK to embed sustainability across higher education institutions.

New Book Launch: "Achieving UN SDG 8 – Economic Growth and Decent Work for All"

“Achieving UN Sustainable Development Goal 8: Economic Growth and Decent Work for All” is a comprehensive, open-access book that explores the challenges and solutions for achieving SDG 8.

Learning from Practice: How can we better embed sustainability in higher education?

Watch the recording of this workshop and learn from testimonals from case studies from the Responsible Futures Programme

IAU/EWORA Webinar Gender Equality in Higher Education and Research – Strategies for Empowerment

(Recording available) Ahead of International Women's Day, EWORA and IAU invited experts from higher education to share their perspectives on gender equality - and their strategies for empowerment.

Responsible Futures International at the IAU Conference

At the recent IAU International Conference in Tokyo, Japan, a poster exhibition and panel session highlighted the achievements of the international pilot group so far and their actions for sustainable development.

Re-thinking higher education and inspiring transformation for a more sustainable future

We live in times when urgency demands agency in HE towards sustainability. This session approaches this conundrum and asks how higher education stakeholders can cut through the noise and shape policy and practice to repurpose education towards the common good and well-being of people and planet.

UOC and IAU SDG 3 Cluster Webinar: Addressing Mental Health and Wellbeing in Universities

Join the discussion around "Addressing Mental Health and Wellbeing in Universities" on the occasion of World Mental Health Day in October. IAU and UOC, with the SDG 3 Cluster organised two webinars, conducted in English and Spanish, to explore how universities are addressing the mental health and wellbeing of their staff and students.

IAU HESD Cluster Activity Report 2023-24 published

Read the latest report on SDGs activities carried out by the IAU HESD Cluster members

Spotlight #6 on pilot participants - IAU and SOS Responsible Futures Programme

Learn about the participants in this international pilot and their achievements so far in the journey of integrating ESD at the whole institution. We're pleased this month to highlight Responsible Futures International pilot institution University of the West Indies (UWI, several locations in the Caribbean).

Spotlight #5 on pilot participants - IAU and SOS Responsible Futures Programme

Participating institutions in this international pilot are advancing the work for sustainability! This month, discover the example of Women's University in Africa (WUA) in Zimbabwe!

Exploring Perception of Faculty Engagement in Sustainability: Discover the results of the Global Survey

The report presenting results of the global survey on Exploring Perception of Faculty Engagement in Sustainability: An International Survey Identifying Levers of Action and Best Practices is available!

IAU at the HLPF - statement on Air Pollution and SDG 13 by University of Bergen research lead

Representing IAU, Principal investigator Kerry Ryan Chance of the Habitable Air project spoke at the 2024 High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) at the United Nations in New York on the urgent issue of air pollution and how this impacts on climate change and public health.

Spotlight #4 on pilot participants - IAU and SOS Responsible Futures Programme

UNESCO launches new publications for “Greening Education Partnership”

On World Environment Day, UNESCO unveils two new concrete tools for greening schools and curricula, highlighting the need to empower young people to play a concrete role in tackling the climate crisis.

See all news

IAU Members’ and Partners’ News

High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development 2025

Bridging Academia and Action: Virtual Side Event on SDG 14

As part of the UN Ocean Conference, IAU and partners organised an online event discussing how to advance partnerships, knowledge sharing, and Ocean Literacy. Watch the recording now!

New Report Launched: Responsible Futures International Pilot

AIUB joins RF International

ESD Okayama Award 2025 - Open for applications!

Okayama City (Japan) and the ESD Okayama Award Steering Board are calling for initiatives that contribute to the spread of ESD in local communities worldwide and serve as models of good practice. Apply now!

New Book Launch: "Achieving UN SDG 8 – Economic Growth and Decent Work for All"

“Achieving UN Sustainable Development Goal 8: Economic Growth and Decent Work for All” is a comprehensive, open-access book that explores the challenges and solutions for achieving SDG 8.

IGGAs 2025: Finalists announced!

Almost 100 institutions got shortlisted in the 2025 version of the International Green Gown Awards! Discover the different categories and sustainability projects!

Learning from Practice: How can we better embed sustainability in higher education?

Watch the recording of this workshop and learn from testimonals from case studies from the Responsible Futures Programme

Responsible Futures Student Sustainability Symposium

(Recording available) Join us for an exciting Student Sustainability Symposium featuring workshops, presentations, and networking opportunities for students and staff. Sessions will also showcase good practice in student engagement and green skill development across the education sector. IAU will be joining the panel and providing a global perspective.

IAU/EWORA Webinar Gender Equality in Higher Education and Research – Strategies for Empowerment

(Recording available) Ahead of International Women's Day, EWORA and IAU invited experts from higher education to share their perspectives on gender equality - and their strategies for empowerment.

Responsible Futures International at the IAU Conference

Spotlight #7 on pilot participants - IAU and SOS Responsible Futures Programme

Learn about the participants in this international pilot and their achievements so far in the journey of integrating ESD at the whole institution! We're pleased this month to highlight Responsible Futures International pilot institution Mohawk College (Canada).