Student exhibition increases awareness of the SDGs

The display by Aleksandr Ignatev (UCL Population Health Sciences), Megan Taylor (UCL International Social & Political Studies) and Mark Boyadzhiev (UCL History) showcases a sample of initiatives at UCL that is helping to address the 17 SDGs through its research, teaching, student volunteering projects and societies, and the university’s own operations.

The three ambassadors worked with the Joanna Socha, the Union’s Strategic Projects Coordinator with responsibility for sustainability, and Simon Knowles, UCL’s Head of Coordination (Sustainable Development Goals).

The week is coordinated by the University Global Coalition to promote awareness of the SDGs among students and staff and inspire them to take action to further the goals on their campuses and in their local community.

Simon said: “I’m delighted that the ambassadors have staged the exhibition, which gives a taster of just some of the diverse activity at UCL that is helping to achieve the SDGs. I hope it inspires more of our students and staff to take part in activity that helps to address the complex challenges that are facing the world.”

The 17 SDGs are the core of the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Adopted by all UN Member States in 2015, they provide a framework for the world’s ongoing economic growth, while protecting the environment and addressing social inequalities.

The Goals cover topics ranging from ‘Decent Work and Economic Growth’ and ‘Good Health and Well-being’ to ‘Climate Action’ and ‘Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure’.

The UCL SDGs Initiative was established in academic year 2020-21 to maximise the university’s impact on the Goals.

UCL’s Student Sustainability Ambassadors, play an important role in embedding sustainability within the Students' Union and our student community. Ambassadors work in different areas alongside the Union’s elected Sustainability Officer and Union Affairs Sabbatical Officer, supported by other staff across the Union.

The ambassadors help to implement some of the actions outlined in the Union’s Sustainability Strategy 2022–25 and represent students on the Student Sustainability Council.