Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) showcased by the UM community

Promoting and showcasing the sustainable development goals (SDGs) through teaching, research, campus operations and community engagement at the University of Malta (UM) marks the first event associated with sustainability for academic year 2025/2026.

This initiative, driven by the Pro-Rector for Strategic Planning and Sustainability, is one which sees UM’s contribution added to over 1200 initiatives across 42 countries participating in the European Sustainable Development Week between 18 September and 8 October. The Ministry for the Environment, Energy and Public Cleanliness co-ordinated the local events.

At UM, members of staff and students were invited to record short statements associated with a specific SDG or the respective targets which have close affinities to their work or research. Each of the 17 SDGs has been addressed in the series, which includes contributions from academic and administrative staff, PhD candidates and RSOs.

Higher Education Institutions are crucial to achieving the SDGs. At the University of Malta, we aim to educate future leaders; conduct research for innovative solutions; foster community engagement and shape societal values. By doing so, we strive to

equip the next generation of leaders and professionals with the necessary knowledge, skills and values to address global challenges, foster critical thinking, and instil social responsibility
develop new evidence-based knowledge and innovative solutions, including technological advancements, to tackle complex issues like poverty, climate change, and inequality
set up platforms for discussions on societal issues
partner with local and international communities to drive impactful initiatives and implement sustainable practices
integrate the SDGs into educational programmes to enrich learning and promote interdisciplinary collaboration, thus helping students understand the interconnectedness of global goals.

At UM we also seek to model sustainable practices through our own governance and management, focusing on areas like waste reduction, sustainable food systems and responsible resource use.

By integrating the SDGs into our core functions — campus operations, curricula, research, and outreach — University can act as a hub for transformative change, developing critical skills, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration thus inspiring a collective commitment to a sustainable future.

Have a look at the videos