Meet UNSW Business School's UG SDG Student Rep

The UNSW Business School Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Committee brings together staff and students from different disciplinary backgrounds across industry, institutions, and communities to solve important societal and business challenges, building our culture, people, capabilities and resources to sustainably create opportunities.

The SDG Committee plays a key role as part of the Business School 2021+ Strategy by informing how we shape our business and society to create sustainable social and economic value by developing innovative theories, insights, and frameworks.

We also provide exciting leadership development opportunities for students who have an interest in working collaboratively with Business School staff to advance the SDG agenda in the faculty. UNSW Business School considers it crucial that students’ experiences and voices are incorporated into the work the Committee carries out.

These student roles offer a platform to lead initiatives and unite efforts among students and faculty members that highlight the SDGs' awareness, and realisation, particularly in driving a wider engagement from diverse activities. These experiences also advance the student's' voice and enable them to orchestrate programs and activities that involve students, staff, and external parties in our collective mission towards sustainability.

The UNSW Business School EDI is privileged to introduce you to one of our incredible 2024 UNSW Business School SDG Student Reps: Ruvindri Ediriweera, Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Finance and Marketing.

Dream career or industry to work at: Investment Professional

Why did you choose to a Business Degree? And what led you to study at UNSW?

I chose a business degree as I wasn't sure what career path to go into out of high school but I did know that I wanted a people-centric job that offers problem-solving and variety, and felt a business degree fit best as a starting point in this journey. I chose UNSW as it is one of the best business schools in Australia and also has a diverse community with a progressive outlook.

How has your experience helped you make a positive impact in your degree, career and/or community?

As someone who is passionate about giving back, being involved in the UNSW College community and societies at UNSW allowed me to be involved in projects and opportunities that give back to the community around me and help develop skills essential to career progression.

How has UNSW prepared you to lead in the workplace and community once you graduate?

UNSW has prepared me through the broad range of easily accessible opportunities available for students to engage with their interests and discover new communities, and, through engaging with and growing through these opportunities (whether it be through college, bschool or socieites), I have been able to develop a strong foundation of leadership skills. 

Why did you apply to be a part of the UNSW Business School SDG Committee? and what do you hope to achieve/have achieved?

I applied to be part of the UNSW Business School SDG Committee upon finishing my time within The Kensington Colleges, as I was keen to stay involved and contribute to giving back to the UNSW community. I have always been passionate about working to achieve SDG's where possible and this role offered the opportunity to leverage my prior experiences to facilitate tangible positive impacts for UNSW when it comes to aligning to SDGS.

How is UNSW Business School helping to improve SDG-related issues within the business school? Is this having an impact on the student's understanding of the issues?

The UNSW Business School is addressing a variety of SDG-related issues both through academic research and initiatives on the ground on-campus and even at a recruitment level. Through diversifying the channels in which UNSW can align with SDG's, this creates a positive and holistic impact that is sustained over time. 

What do you think we could be doing more of to help improve student engagement with the SDGs and how to generate awareness? 

An increase in communication to students with more media publications, events and social presence raises awareness of current initiatives to the student base so they can be made aware of initiatives to be involved with and how to do so.

What inspires you to champion SDG-related issues within your degree and/or prospective career path?

I have been given the privilege of access to a quality education with a multitude of opportunities to pursue my personal and career interests. Not everyone has access to this and I would like to do what I can to better this. 

UNSW's Commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is evident across its research, teaching, and other activities, with sustainability integrated across all aspects of academic functions. Many UNSW leaders, educators, subject matter experts, alumni, and students have shared how they are implementing the UN's SDGs into their careers and research projects. Their contribution to the SDGs through research and integration into the University's teaching are key aspects of UNSW's commitment to a sustainable future.

Find out more about the UNSW Business School SDGs Committee.