Sustained sustainability: what does it look like?
Global leadership program UTS BUILD is stepping up to practise what they preach with a lead-by-example approach.
UTS BUILD and Sustainability marked the beginning of September 2023 with the launch of UTS Global Goals Month. Photo by Tori Hyland.
UTS BUILD partnered with UTS Sustainability to host UTS Global Goals Month in September, a step-change initiative injecting sustainability into the heart and soul of the student and staff experience.
UTS was one of the first Australian universities to become a signatory to the University Commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and is 1 of 10 Australian universities to be a member of the UN Global Compact Network Australia. Furthermore, UTS ranked =14th globally in the 2023 THE Impact Rankings, which directly assesses universities against the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
With UTS sharing in this global commitment across academia, community and government to accelerate SDG action, we’re stepping up to practise what we preach.
An exhibition detailing the 17 SDGs was produced in the foyer space of a UTS building during Global Goals Month. Photo by Tori Hyland.
Student barometers and sentiment surveys tell us that sustainability is increasingly influencing the international and domestic student decision-making process; thus, how institutions articulate and showcase their commitment to sustainability is critical.
UTS Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Andrew Parfitt noted in the 2022 UTS Sustainability Report: “Sustainability continues to play a central role in the university’s identity and direction”.
Indeed, the UTS Sustainability policy operates on the principle of lead by example – as the partnership between UTS BUILD and UTS Sustainability shows.
Building the next generation of leaders
Studying and working in a globally connected world requires heightened awareness. The UTS BUILD program harnesses student leadership potential, building their personal and professional capabilities to shape them into active global citizens and leaders.
With more than 1200 participants, the program delivers on its core values through a curated experience of workshops, community-led activities, seminars with inspiring speakers and events that support a deep understanding of global issues, including the SDGs. The growth of the program speaks to its own success, with registrations increasing by 25% in 2023.
While students can add a global immersion experience to their BUILD journey, the program highlights opportunities to scale their sustainable thinking to local offerings, reinforcing that while international experiences can be transformative, jumping on a plane is not always necessary.
Critically, the program is free and open to all in the UTS student community, with 30% of BUILD members comprised of international students. Completion is also recognised on a student’s Australian Higher Education Graduation Statement (AHEGS).
Students attended the Re:Gen Tomorrow Forum as part of Global Goals Month. Photo by Tori Hyland.
UTS has recently broken into the global top 50 universities for social and environmental sustainability. In a climate where higher education institutions have an increasingly influential global footprint – from economic integration to environmental impact, and political and community influence – the quality of sustainability initiatives is a headline feature for prospective students, industry partners and community opinion leaders.
UTS is leading by example to accelerate its students’ impact and potential for influence on the global stage.
This article was adapted from an article that originally appeared on The Koala authored by Trevor Goddard.
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