The UN ‘2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development’ addresses the complex range of environmental, socio-cultural and economic megatrends and the transformations required to address these major global challenges. These are broadly captured in the core of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 

Universities have a critical role as potential game-changers: contributing to the understanding of global challenges and to the achievement of the SDGs. In this context, the University of Crete is committed to integrating sustainability into its quality objectives for research, education, development and modernization.  The basic axes for actions are:  

‘Localizing SDGs’

Ensuring that social responsibility and sustainability are embedded in UoC governance and policies; developing a coordinated approach that links existing ‘connecting points’ within the University for Gender Equality, for Green Campus and with the Centre for the Humanities, Educational and Social Sciences (UCRC).

    Education

    Identifying the SDG-related degree programmes, mapping (and tracking) the inclusion SDG-related topics in UoC curricula, open online courses, summer schools and other SDG-related teaching-learning opportunities on campus.

      Research

      A study on procedures and methods for assessing the social impact of research has been undertaken by a team from the University’s Research Centre for the Humanities, the Social & Education Sciences (UCRC); complementary actions are underway to engage academics and students in the identification and mapping of SDG-related research.

      /

      Partnerships for the goals

      Playing a dynamic role in existing partnerships with the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) and the new Greek University Network for Sustainability; identifying and developing existing and new partnerships for the goals at regional, national and international level.

      Our Progress

      Follow along!

      You can follow our progress through these webpages in documenting research, educational, organizational and collaborative/communication activities relevant to the 17 SDGs, [notably on health, climate change, education, terrestrial and marine ecosystems,] and also to the cross-cutting UNESCO goals of cultural heritage and diversity.