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Afghan Scholar Reinstated as Visiting Professor at De Montfort University After Forced Exile Under Taliban Rule

An academic who lost her career and became a refugee when the Taliban took control of Afghanistan has been conferred as a Visiting Professor at (DMU), which serves as the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) SDG 11 Hub Chair.

Atefa Waseq was stripped of her teaching role and her right to pursue a doctorate when the Taliban seized power. After Taliban fighters retook Kabul on 15 August 2021, edicts restricting women’s movement and banning women and girls from secondary and higher education left over 78 per cent of Afghan women out of education, a situation UN Women has is increasingly untenable.

Empowering Communities, Inspiring Hope: Ahfad University Internships Amid Sudan’s Turmoil

The Regional Institute of Gender, Diversity, Peace, and Rights (RIGDPR) at in Sudan—UNAI SDG Hub 1 Vice-Chair for Outreach and Partnership—leads student-centered internships with partners across sectors. Despite ongoing conflict in the country, students have contributed to gender assessments, empowerment workshops, and psychosocial support for displaced women—bridging academic training with real-world action and driving meaningful social change.

University of Aveiro Becomes Portugal’s First Higher Education Institution Certified for Sustainable Event Management

UNAI member institution (UAveiro) in Portugal has achieved a national milestone as the first higher education institution in Portugal to be certified under the ISO 20121 standard for its Sustainable Events Management System. The certification covers all stages of event organization—from planning to execution—and ensures environmentally responsible, socially just, and economically viable practices. 

Voices of Equality: Advancing Gender Justice Through Dialogue and Action

CHRIST University, India, the UN Academic Impact SDG 5 Hub Chair for Gender Equality, held an event on 26 July 2025 titled “Voices of Equality.” The full day gathering brought university faculty and students together with social activists, government officials, UN representatives, corporate leaders, and civil society representatives. 

Returning to “Plastic Island” off Norway’s Coast for Beach Cleanup Week

On 25 September, the University of Bergen (UiB), the UNAI SDG 14 Hub Chair for Life Below Water, organized a coastal cleanup for students and staff. As last year, the destination was Lisle Lyngøy, often referred to as “Plastic Island” off the coast of Hellesøy. The day was filled with strong impressions — and some good news for the island’s ecosystem.

Mount Kenya University Advances Innovation Partnerships at German Academic Exchange Service Centenary Symposium

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) marked its centenary with a four-day symposium in Cape Town, South Africa (13–16 October 2, focused on “Global Responsibility – Local Impact: Higher Education Partnerships for the SDGs.” 

Kayseri University Promotes Sustainable Mobility on World Car-Free Day

In line with its commitment to the (SDGs), UNAI member institution Kayseri University in Türkiye celebrated on September 22 with a campus-wide event promoting sustainable transportation, reducing carbon emissions, and raising awareness about climate action. The event was also registered under Mobility Actions as part of the European Mobility Week initiative.

Equipping Teachers for a World of Tomorrow at the University of Cologne

The University of Cologne, a UNAI member institution, is a leading university in teacher education. More than 10,000 future teachers are trained here for careers in the educational sector. The university works together with an extensive network of schools to ensure a symbolic transfer of cutting-edge research and real-world experiences. Their prospective teachers are equipped to become teacher scientists and change makers who craft lessons using quality and future-proofed scientific tools. 

Think Global, Act "Caipira" - University of São Paulo Leads a Community-Driven Vision for Sustainable Development

The University of São Paulo in Brazil serves as the Hub Chair for the UNAI Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 1 Hub: No Poverty. On 28 June 2025, the Luiz de Queiroz Agricultural College at the University of São Paulo (ESALQ/USP) launched a participatory initiative that brings together science, community, and regional identity to reflect on and propose updates to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Integrating SDGs into Campus Life: Zero Waste Seminar at Kayseri University

UNAI member institution Kayseri University in Türkiye recently hosted a seminar on zero waste good practices, encouraging attendees to view waste through the lens of sustainable development.This awareness-raising activity, which was carried out for students, raised awareness about achieving zero waste as an important step for campus sustainability. 

Millennium Fellowship Class of 2025: Over 4,000 young leaders making the SDGs and UNAI Principles Reality

The Millennium Campus Network (MCN) and United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) are proud to present the Class of 2025. This year’s Millennium Fellows were selected from among a record-breaking 60,396 applicants from over 7,500 campuses across 160 countries to participate in this ambitious program that helps make the Sustainable Development Goals and UNAI Principles a reality on campuses, in classrooms, and throughout communities.

BUITEMS Spearheads Week-long Gender Equality Initiative

UNAI member BUITEMS holds week-long initiative for university administrators, faculty, and students to promote the importance of gender equality in achieving SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.

Student Leaders at the Forefront: Higher Education’s Role in Advancing Global Goals

To explore the role of student leadership and higher education in addressing global challenges, United Nations Academic Impact and Millennium Campus Network (MCN) co-organized an event during the 2025 High-level Political Forum at United Nations Headquarters in New York titled "Creating a Better World: Contributions of Higher Education". The event sought to highlight the critical role of higher education institutions as a strategic catalyst for advancing the SDGs.

Sustainability at UFGD: Reflections and Commitments

UNAI member institution the Federal University of Grande Dourados (UFGD) in Dourados, MS, Brazil held the 5th Sustainability Seminar from 4 to 6 June 2025, featuring lectures and roundtable discussions, reinforcing UFGD’s commitment to sustainability, and highlighting the importance of concrete actions for a more balanced future in which development and preservation go hand in hand.

Bringing Together Diverse Stakeholders to Reimagine Higher Education

Higher education (HE) is vital to shaping futures that are inclusive, just, and sustainable. Yet, higher education institutions (HEIs) around the world are grappling with how to adapt to an evolving world. To explore these challenges and address the critical role and potential of, as well as trust in, HEIs, UN Academic Impact along with partners convened the Global Higher Education Symposium under the theme “'Advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for 2030”.