Social, economic and environmental sustainability is one of the most pressing challenges of our time. This refers to our ability to plan for a future where we not only meet the needs of the present but do so in a way which benefits future generations and our future socioeconomic, natural and physical environments. Today, there are more than 140 countries seeking to find better ways of meeting their developmental needs, while considering the impacts of climate change and sustainable development so that it will not negatively affect future generations.
The theme for this year’s Forum is to explore how universities contribute to a sustainable future, and in doing so how they apply the ideas of sustainable development in their own strategic and operational planning. Sustainability encompasses a wide variety of topics, including how we plan and use financial resources, deployment of new technologies to drive positive change, educational technologies, practices and approaches, research, and commercialisation, and how we leverage our data and information assets.
Combined with the aftereffects of COVID, universities must continue to be agile and adaptive to their environment, implementing sustainable practices is a hallmark for long term success not only for the institution itself, but also for the communities it serves. How can universities expand their sustainable approaches? What lessons can we learn from good practice? Are there new opportunities from taking a sustainable approach? What does a sustainable future for universities look like?
