This exploratory publication from University of Edinburgh tells the stories of the many meaningful contributions to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) over the past five years. The publication was launched during Global Goals Week in September 2025. Read the stories of impact Be inspired by University-wide case studies across all 17 Sustainable Development Goals, under the themes of:OperationsCommunityTeaching and learningPartnershipsResearchThe uplifting stories captured in this publication are a just flavour of different activities happening across our University community. Tell us how your project is supporting progress towards a Sustainable Development Goal using the form below. What are the Sustainable Development Goals? The 17 Sustainable Development Goals, part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, were adopted by the United Nations and world leaders in 2015.Over the following 15 years, these Goals have mobilised efforts to end all forms of poverty, fight inequalities and tackle climate change, while ensuring that no one is left behind.With less than five years to go to 2030, this is a critical moment to shine a light on key work from across our university, to be seen and appreciated together.The 17 Goals [external] BioQuarter (SDG 1) Firbush Outdoor Centre (SDG 3) Fastblade (SDG 7) Widening Participation (SDG 10) Take action What are you doing to drive change to make the world a better place?Staff and students: tell us how you’re contributing to the SDGsFuture partners: collaborate with us on research and innovation that will contribute to the SDGsAdd your action to the UN SDG map [external] The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals provide a meaningful and comprehensive manifesto to which we will contribute.Strategy 2030 How people at the University of Edinburgh are making impact The University of Edinburgh and Students' Association signed the Sustainable Development Goals Accord in 2017. The purpose of the Accord is to inspire, celebrate and advance the critical role that education has in delivering the Sustainable Development Goals and the value it brings to governments, business and wider society.Ranking organisations, such as Times Higher Education and QS World Rankings, embrace the SDGs, using them to recognise leaders in Higher Education.The University of Edinburgh ranked 7th in the world in the 2025 QS World University Rankings for Sustainability. In the 2025 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, the University achieved joint 1st in the world for its contribution to SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure.Strategy 2030 | SDG Accord | QS ranking | THE ranking Our Impact Rankings aim to recognise the institutions doing work that supports and sustains the future of people and the planet.Times Higher Education Methodology This publication is not a report, it is a cross-section of activity the University of Edinburgh is doing to contribute to the SDGs. Read our methodology in the document to find out more. Tell us what you think Your voice matters: help us improve and innovate by sharing your thoughts on the SDGs: Stories of Impact The content of this publication has not been approved by the United Nations and does not reflect the views of the United Nations or its officials or Member States.UN Sustainable Development Goals This article was published on 2025-09-17
