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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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Submit your story

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

Australia’s air traffic future

The future of Australia’s air traffic management depends on people, technology and resilience

Aug 14, 2026
ADFA UNSW Canberra General Division of Equity Diversity & Inclusion SDG SDG9 School of Science Research Networks and partnerships Environments and systems Prosperity Opinion

Why does it feel like the US and Iran are stuck in an endless conflict loop?

Neither side can stomach a strategic defeat. Nor can they find a way to an exit ramp.

Aug 14, 2026
ADFA Division of Equity Diversity & Inclusion Business & Law General Opinion Resilient society SDG SDG16

UNSW engineers awarded $6.52M grant to pursue critical renewables research

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is backing a UNSW project that aims to address challenges related to the secure operation of power systems with high proportions of solar, wind and batteries.

Aug 13, 2026
Engineering Division of Equity Diversity & Inclusion SDG SDG7 SDG8 SDG9 SDG11 Science & Tech General Education Research Networks and partnerships School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications

Smart stormwater filter developed to stop more pollution reaching rivers and beaches

UNSW engineers have added sensors and real-time weather forecasts into so-called rain gardens to create a smarter way to stop contaminants from flowing into waterways.

Aug 13, 2026
Engineering School of Civil and Environmental Engineering Science & Tech Division of Equity Diversity & Inclusion SDG SDG6 Research Water Research Laboratory
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