The IAU Global Cluster on HESD brings together around 70 higher education institutions worldwide to strengthen universities' contributions to the SDGs and the 2030 Agenda through collaboration and a whole-institution approach to sustainability. Organised around all 17 SDGs, the Cluster promotes peer learning, cross-sector partnerships, and joint initiatives that integrate environmental, social, cultural, and economic dimensions of sustainable development, with each goal led by a dedicated university or the IAU in the case of SDG 17.

The annual report showcases and provides valuable insights into the many projects that the Cluster members have undertaken, either in collaboration and on institutional level, during 2025-2026, to address the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It also underscores the crucial role of higher education and partnership in achieving these global goals.

🔗Read the report here: https://iau.global/building-global-partnerships-for-sd 
🔗Learn more about the IAU Global Cluster on HESD: https://iau.global/hesd-cluster 

On the occasion of World Photography Day 2026, students at Assam Don Bosco University (ADBU) in India turned their cameras on the living world around them at the Tapesia Campus. The activity allowed students to observe, document, and appreciate the diverse biodiversity that they encounter on campus. The students chose to photograph the quieter stories of nature, such as butterflies visiting flowers, insects moving through leaves, and other forms of life found on and around campus. The photos show how a university campus can also serve as a place for ecological observation and informal learning.

The activity also complemented the University's overall commitment to sustainability and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Documenting campus biodiversity raises awareness of terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems, whereas student-led observation promotes inclusive learning. The photographs serve as small visual reminders of the University's relationship to education, the environment, and community. The photographs show that sustainability can be explored not only through formal projects, but also through mindfulness and appreciation for the natural world around us.

The collection emphasizes the ecological significance of the University Campus and the importance of preserving spaces where students can interact with nature as part of their university experience. By sharing these student perspectives with the larger higher-education community, ADBU hopes to promote similar approaches that combine creativity, student participation, and sustainability.

The photographs were taken by ADBU students as part of the World Photography Day 2026 activity. The initiative reflects the University's continuing effort to promote student engagement, environmental awareness, and a culture of sustainability across the campus.

We invite you to read the report and view the photos with descriptions here.

Click through the gallery of photos here.

Photo Credits: Priyangshu Das, Ayushmita Roy, Genit Singh, Dengkiri Engti, Emily Jane T Lyngdoh, Arakhmasanchi  D Sangma, Wanborson Lyngdoh, Anamica Lomga, Veon Mawrie, Laphishisha Nengnong, Rimika Lyngdoh, Ethelilari Kharbudnah, Elizabeth Ekka, Bijano Ezung, Ilona Rochill.

All rights to photos are with ADBU and the photographers. 

We are delighted to announce the launch of a series of publications to which the International Association of Universities (IAU) has contributed since 2024 as part of UNESCO's Transforming Futures project.

🗓️ 17 September 2026
🕐 13:00–14:30 CET
💻 Online
👉 We warmly invite our network to register and join us for the launch:
https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/transforming-futures-enhancing-practice-esd-2030-through-action-research-launch-new-unesco-guidance?mc_cid=d53973998a&mc_eid=8f18ebcd91 

The webinar will officially launch three new guidance tools developed through the project “Transforming Futures: Enhancing Practice for ESD for 2030 through Action Research”, which you can read here:
🌱 Driving sustainability in education through a whole-institution approach
🎓 Enhancing pedagogies and competencies for sustainability
📊 Assessing learning in Education for Sustainable Development

These tools are designed to support educators, institutions and other stakeholders in strengthening Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and equipping learners to contribute to more sustainable futures.

Learn more about the Transforming Futures project:
https://www.unesco.org/en/sustainable-development/education/transforming-futures 
 

The IAU is excited to announce that our Member the Maldives National University (MNU) has received the annual IAU Responsible Futures International Fee Waiver to participate in the RFI 2026/27 cohort. 

RF International is a programme designed to help universities integrate sustainability across every aspect of their institution, with students playing a central role in driving this transformation. Originally developed by Students Organising for Sustainability (SOS UK) and launched internationally in collaboration with the IAU in 2023, it provides higher education institutions with a structured approach to embedding Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and supporting progress toward the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through institution-wide engagement.

The Maldives National University is the national university of the Maldives and the country's leading higher education institution. As a university in a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), MNU recognises its responsibility to contribute to sustainable national development through education, research, innovation, and community engagement. Responsible Futures aligns strongly with MNU's institutional vision and sustainability agenda. The programme will further strengthen the University's whole-institution approach to sustainability by empowering students and staff to work collaboratively to embed sustainability in learning, teaching, and the wider university experience.

MNU's participation in the RFI Programme reflects its strong institutional commitment to advancing sustainability through education, research, and community engagement. Guided by the UN Sustainable Development Goals.  MNU has embedded sustainability as a strategic institutional priority through its Strategic Plan 2026–2030, Sustainability Policy, and Sustainability Action Plan. These frameworks guide the integration of sustainability across teaching and learning, research, governance, campus operations, community engagement, and partnerships, while supporting the achievement of the UN SDGs. Participation in the Responsible Futures Programme will strengthen these existing initiatives by enhancing student–staff partnerships, embedding ESD more systematically across the curriculum, and supporting continuous institutional improvement in sustainability.

Participation in RF International will provide the Maldives National University with a practical framework for embedding sustainability more effectively throughout the institution. The programme supports the integration of sustainability into teaching and learning, encourages meaningful student leadership and participation, and helps align academic practices with internationally recognised sustainability principles. As part of the initiative, a joint staff and student coordination team will take part in regular cohort meetings alongside universities from more than 12 countries across the world, creating opportunities to exchange experiences and learn from peers. By fostering cross-faculty collaboration, institutional self-assessment, and international knowledge sharing, RF International enables universities to turn their sustainability ambitions into tangible, measurable outcomes. 

The Responsible Futures programme is open to HEIs to join all year round, with different participation fee categories. IAU is awarding a fee waiver on an annual basis through a competitive process open to IAU members. Reach out to us if you are interested in learning how your institution could join the programme!

As the 2030 deadline approaches, the HLPF remains a central space for reinforcing accountability, fostering innovation, and ensuring no one is left behind. This year, The High-Level Political Forum 2026 (HLPF) will convene under the theme: “Transformative, equitable, innovative and coordinated actions for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals for a sustainable future for all”.

This year’s Forum will review these five interconnected goals:

SDG 6. Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all; 

SDG 7. Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all; 

SDG 9. Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation; 

SDG 11. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable; and 

SDG 17. Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development.

The Forum welcomes high-level representatives from governments, UN bodies, academia, civil society, and the private sector. In addition to the programme, the HLPF offers side-events onsite in New York and virtually. 

IAU Contributing to the 2026 HLPF

As an organisation holding ECOSOC consultative status, the International Association of Universities (IAU) actively contributes to this important annual UN platform. We are pleased to announce that IAU will contribute to the 2026 HLPF with a virtual side event, hosted together with Siam University, Mykolas Romeris University, University of Manouba, and Beirut Arab University. This side event will explore SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and the essential role of universities in advancing sustainable, resilient, inclusive, and equitable urban development through education, research, innovation, and community engagement, with a particular focus on student-led initiatives that are driving positive change in cities and communities.

The side event takes place online on 9 July, 12.30-14.00 (CEST). Register to participate here.

Other events 

HESI Global Forum

Each year, HESI organizes a global forum as a special event for the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) – UN’s main platform for the follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at the global level - to highlight the critical role of higher education in achieving sustainable development. This year, they will host a digital event under the theme "Reimagining Higher Education for Global Transformation toward a Sustainable Future." The event will discuss how higher education institutions can embed sustainability in their teaching, organisation, and practise, and promote principles of equity and inclusion. The event will take place on 9 July, 08-10am New York time (14-16 CEST). 
Register here
Read more about the HESI global forum here 

Sulitest official side event

Sulitest are organising an official virtual side event on driving systemic change in sustainability education: Scaling coordinated action for the SDGs. Divided into two parts, the first session will present an analysis of current trends in sustainability education based on TASK data. The second part brings together leadership and experts to a panel on embedding sustainable development across higher education systems. Join the virtual event on Thursday 9 July at 16.30-18.00 (CEST). Learn more and register here. 

This news item is subject to change, and will be updated again following the HLPF.

Click here for more information about the HLPF programme.

UPDATE September 2026

WINNERS ANNOUNCED - see here for full list.

We're thrilled to announce the finalists and winners of the 2026 International Green Gown Awards, delivered by EAUC.

The International Green Gown Awards are endorsed by United Nations Environment Programme and are supported by the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), L’Agence universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF) and International Association of Universities (IAU). Now in their 12th year, the Awards recognise the outstanding and innovative sustainability projects being implemented in tertiary education institutions around the world. 

This year, we have 94 finalists from 34 countries and 63 institutions across eight categories, and we are pleased to see that once again several IAU Members are amongst the finalists!

Finalists that are IAU Members sorted after category:

2030 Climate Action

• Laval University
• University Mohammed VI Polytechnic
• Tashkent State University of Law

Benefitting Society

• Pontifical Catholic University of Peru
• Siam University

Creating impact

• Daffodil International University
• Siam University
• Technological University Dublin

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Sustainability

• De La Salle Lipa
• University Mohammed VI Polytechnic
• Tashkent State University of Law

Nature Positive

• University Mohammed VI Polytechnic

Next Generation Learning and Skills

• De La Salle Lipa
• Daffodil International University
• University Mohammed VI Polytechnic
• Siam University

Student Engagement

• University Mohammed VI Polytechnic
• International Islamic University Malaysia
• Siam University

Sustainability Institution of the Year

• University Mohammed VI Polytechnic

-> Learn more about the awards and read about the finalists and their projects on the Green Gown Awards website.

The Education and Academia Stakeholder Group (EASG) has launched its sectoral paper for the 2026 UN High-Level Political Forum (HLPF), presenting a global perspective on the role of education in advancing sustainable development. Developed through contributions from international education networks, civil society organisations, student representatives, and academic institutions, the paper highlights the interconnectedness of SDG 4 with other priority goals, including clean water and sanitation, clean energy, sustainable cities, innovation, and global partnerships.

The report examines persistent global challenges such as unequal access to quality education, underfunded education systems, digital divides, inadequate school infrastructure, and barriers faced by marginalised communities. It also outlines recommendations for governments and international stakeholders, including stronger public investment in education, climate-resilient and inclusive learning environments, ethical approaches to digital transformation and AI, and greater participation of youth and civil society in education governance.

IAU and several Members and partners provided input for the paper.

Explore the Sectoral paper here