UofG to host THE Global Sustainable Development Congress
Published: 25 August 2022
Congress will explore ideas which support UN’s Sustainable Development Goals
This Autumn the University will host the inaugural Global Sustainable Development Congress (GSDC), in partnership with Times Higher Education.
Taking place from 31 October to 2 November, the event seeks to unite cross-sectoral stakeholders to build a more sustainable future, and all colleagues at the University are invited to attend sessions.
The agenda is aimed at combining interactive masterclasses on important topics in healthcare, education, and sustainable cities with inspiring keynotes. The emphasis is on supporting practical ideas to drive the change we need to meet the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
The University of Glasgow recently placed 19th in the world in its inaugural entry to the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2022 and second in the world for its contribution to SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities.
The UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals are an urgent call to action for all nations to help end poverty and other deprivations, while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests.
You can read more about the University’s commitment to the SDGs on our webpages.
During the Congress, experts from the University will join a global panel of speakers and facilitators and represent some of the excellent work that is being carried out in Glasgow, often with collaboration and partnership at the heart of the initiatives.
This is an excellent opportunity for relationship building and networking in both physical and virtual event environments and colleagues wishing to attend or invite their own guests can benefit from an early bird discount until the 9 September.
Phil Baty, Chief Knowledge Officer at Times Higher Education, said: “Universities are fundamental to delivering solutions to the world’s biggest challenges. From inequality to future pandemics, to climate change and our environment, they will lead the way on delivering the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
“This is what the Global Sustainable Development Congress is all about: harnessing the vast potential of universities and bringing them together with partners to drive real change.
“We could not be more excited that this inaugural congress is happening in Glasgow, home to last year’s COP26, to build on the great momentum from that event, and also that it is hosted by the University of Glasgow. The University has demonstrated clearly through the THE Impact Rankings that it is a world-leader in striving to deliver the Sustainable Development Goals. It has particular strength in SDG11 – sustainable cities and communities – with deep and rich connections to the communities of Glasgow, it manages to be global in its outlook while fully embedded in its home city. This makes the University of Glasgow an exceptionally strong host for the congress.”
Rachel Sandison, Deputy Vice Chancellor, External Engagement and Vice Principal, External Relations, said: “As COP26 showed, the city of Glasgow is playing a leading role in the debate around sustainable development, and we are delighted to welcome the inaugural Global Sustainable Development Congress to the University.
“The University’s recent performance in the THE SDG rankings, placing 19th globally, is clear evidence of our commitment to supporting the UN SDG’s and an indicator of the difference we are making in tackling the world's biggest challenges with partners locally, nationally and internationally.”
This will be the third time that the University has partnered with Times Higher Education to bring thought-leaders together with previous themes including teaching and learning and leadership and management.
First published: 25 August 2022