Changing roles of universities in the era of SDGs: rising up to the global challenge through institutionalising partnerships with governments and communities

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development covers a wide range of interrelated goals, including poverty eradication and economic growth, social inclusion, environmental sustainability and peace for all people by 2030. Policy decisions to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) need to be informed by policy-relevant evidence co-designed and co-produced with the pertinent stakeholders, taking into consideration local and political contexts. Universities are uniquely placed to lead the cross-sectoral implementation of the SDGs and advance the 2030 agenda. This commentary makes the case for building, strengthening and institutionalising university partnerships with governments and communities to achieve the SDGs. It also calls for a change in mindsets and culture in both academia and government, and invites both parties to start a dialogue to rise up to the global challenge.

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El-Jardali F, Ataya N, Fadlallah R. Changing roles of universities in the era of SDGs: rising up to the global challenge through institutionalising partnerships with governments and communities. Health research policy and systems. 2018;16(1): 38. doi:10.1186/s12961-018-0318-9