Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

Sustainability matters

Tackling the world's greatest challenges and improving futures for everyone.
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SDG Showcase 2024 banner hanging outside the UNSW John Niland Scientia Building

Explore UNSW's contributions to the SDGs

As a leading global university, UNSW has impact across all 17 of the SDGs, which tackle the world’s most pressing challenges, such as ending poverty and hunger, climate change, the reduction of inequalities and more.

Long journey home: the return of the platypus

SDG 15: Life on Land

Scientists from UNSW Sydney have re-introduced platypuses to the Royal National Park after an absence of more than 50 years.

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Advancing cervical cancer elimination in the Pacific

SDG 3: Good Health & Wellbeing
UNSW received a $25.9 million donation from the Swire Group, the largest single philanthropic donation in its history. The funds will allow UNSW's Kirby Institute to work with regional partners to screen thousands of women in seven Pacific countries for cervical cancer.

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UNSW wins top prize for electrification

SDG 7: Affordable & Clean Energy

UNSW won the the commercial electrification category at the 2025 Australian Renewable Heat Awards, for its Stage 1 Electrification Project, switching student accommodation, kitchens, childcare, sports and hospitality facilities from gas to fully electric systems.

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Have you got something exciting to share?
Submit your newsworthy SDG stories for website or THE Impact Ranking submissions here.
Award trophy star 1 icon
4th in Australia

in Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025.
Award medal 1 icon
11th in the world

in Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025.

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2021-10-medal
7th in the world

in the 2026 QS World University Sustainability Rankings.

Global Goals Week

19 - 28 September

Led by the United Nations, Global Goals Week is an annual week of action, awareness, and accountability for the SDGs. Find out how UNSW is driving real-world solutions to achieve a better future for all.

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World Oceans Day

8 June

Find how out UNSW's Kelp Forest Challenge is saving the world's forgotten forests. 

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World Environment Day

5 June 
At UNSW, we believe universities have a critical role in promoting sustainable practices and are uniquely positioned to lead and effect environmental change.

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World Mental Health Day

10 October
Founded by the World Federation for Mental Health in 1992, World Mental Health Day is observed annually to raise awareness and promote positive change in mental health. At UNSW, we believe universities have a responsibility to not only support our students and staff, but drive innovations in health and wellbeing that help people around the world.

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UNSW Sustainable Development Goals 2024 Report

This report outlines UNSW's performance against the SDGs in 2024.
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Explore UNSW's contributions to the SDGs

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News

UNSW and Powerhouse Parramatta announce landmark partnership

A new partnership will establish a dedicated UNSW presence at Powerhouse Parramatta, creating a platform for research, public engagement and STEM pathways in Western Sydney.

Feb 12, 2026
Division of Equity Diversity & Inclusion Social Affairs Students General Networks and partnerships Culture SDG SDG3 SDG4 SDG9 Research

Will Ozempic-style patches help me lose weight? Two experts explain

Before you spend your money, here’s why you should think twice about buying a weight-loss patch.

Feb 12, 2026
Medicine & Health Division of Equity Diversity & Inclusion SDG SDG3 General Health Opinion Healthy lives

UNSW accelerates startup growth with Global Launchpads Summit

UNSW Sydney, Australia’s leading entrepreneurial university, is bringing founders, investors and international partners together to help startups turn breakthrough ideas into global success.

Feb 11, 2026
Division of Equity Diversity & Inclusion Science & Tech General Education Research Networks and partnerships SDG SDG3 SDG4 SDG7 SDG8 SDG9 SDG10 SDG11 SDG12 SDG13 SDG17 Business & Law

Funding surgery and hormones for trans people can save Medicare millions: new research

Until now, we haven’t had research that tracks how accessing hormones or surgeries affects how much trans people use mental health services and medications.

Feb 11, 2026
Arts, Design & Architecture (ADA) Division of Equity Diversity & Inclusion SDG SDG3 SDG5 SDG8 SDG10 SDG16 Business & Law Social Affairs Health Opinion Education Research Healthy lives Resilient society
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