Will Universities Redouble Efforts for Sustainability Priorities?

According to THE’s latest student survey, it seems like students and universities don’t have the same sustainable development goals (SDGs)

Recent impact rankings show that SDG 4 (quality education) is the most important goal for both students and universities. It got more data submissions from institutions than any other SDG. Quality education goal was among the top three goals for 37 per cent of the 2,000 students surveyed). Universities and colleges are required to provide a well-rounded education and global awareness to their students to make a difference in their communities and the bigger ones. 

SDG 3 (good health and well-being) came in second amongst university goals, with 871 institutions reporting statistics on it. However, it is only the sixth most vital goal for prospective students overall (although second for African students).

In the meantime, SDG 13 (climate action) was the second most important goal for prospective international students; overall, 33% of those surveyed placed it among their top three priorities and the top priority for North America, Europe, and Oceania. Still, it received only the tenth most university submissions. Finally, SDG 2 (zero hunger) is another objective that students regard as more important than colleges.

Students frequently have a measurable, meaningful, and effective influence on their institutions' sustainability policies. Therefore, universities might use this data to enhance their efforts in the SDGs that students consider a priority.