Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

Sustainability matters

Tackling the world's greatest challenges and improving futures for everyone.
Personalise
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.

opens in a new window

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.

opens in a new window

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.

opens in a new window

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.

View rankings
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.

opens in a new window

World Oceans Day

8 June

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

opens in a new window

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.

opens in a new window

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.

opens in a new window

UNSW Sustainable Development Goals 2024 Report

This report outlines UNSW's performance against the SDGs in 2024.
Download

Explore UNSW's contributions to the SDGs

Learn more

News

Gamblers can now bet on the outcome of wars – and that’s a problem

Many Polymarket users won huge sums by correctly predicting when the US would strike Iran. Welcome to the gamification of information warfare.

Mar 11, 2026
ADFA Division of Equity Diversity & Inclusion Social Affairs General Opinion Prosperity Resilient society SDG SDG16

IVF not linked to higher overall cancer rates, but study shows differences in some cancers

A UNSW-led study found overall invasive cancer rates in Australian women were no higher after fertility treatments including IVF. Some specific cancers were slightly more common, while others were less common.

Mar 11, 2026
Medicine & Health Division of Equity Diversity & Inclusion SDG SDG3 SDG5 SDG10 Health Research Healthy lives

Coo-ee! Scientists tap into the inner workings of long-distance animal calls

UNSW Sydney researchers have traced the evolution of over 100 animal calls – including from lions, koalas and whales – to learn more about how mammals communicate over distances.

Mar 11, 2026
Science & Tech Science Division of Equity Diversity & Inclusion SDG SDG14 SDG15 Research Sustainability School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences

Cities designed to work for neurodivergent people can make cities better for everyone

Pedestrian-friendly streets with green space, calmer soundscapes and predictable layouts reduce the stress of city life for everyone: a UNSW expert says.

Mar 11, 2026
Arts, Design & Architecture (ADA) Social Affairs Healthy lives Division of Equity Diversity & Inclusion SDG SDG3 SDG10 Art, Architecture & Design
All news