The UC3M, United Nations “hub” for the achievement of sustainable cities
UN Sustainable Development Goal 11
2/20/19
The Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M) has been appointed by the United Nations’ Academic Impact initiative (UNAI) as a new hub for the eleventh Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 11), which corresponds to the achievement of sustainable cities and communities (#SDG11). This distinction, which was presented a few days ago during the UC3M’s Solidarity Week, recognises the University as a renowned centre in research and innovation for the achievement of this SDG.
The goal of UNAI is to encourage higher education institutions and the United Nations to work together to support and contribute to the achievement of the goals and mandates of the UN. For this, the initiative is based on commitment to supporting and moving forward in pursuit of ten basic principles: addressing poverty, capacity building, commitment to an inclusive and universal education, encouraging global citizenship, access to higher education, fighting for human rights according to the principles of the United Nations Charter, promoting intercultural dialogue, sustainability, peace and conflict resolution.
UNAI (United Nations Academic Impact) is a consortium made up of around 1300 academic and research institutions from over 130 countries. It has 17 hubs which correspond to the respective SDG, as well as another 10 hubs that focus on social matters. The aim of these centres is to develop a series of actions that promote the achievement of SDGs, such as carrying out academic and research activities, awareness campaigns, scientific dissemination or volunteering services, among others. By becoming a UNAI hub, the UC3M is obliged to carry out a minimum of three activities a year which promote inclusive, safe and sustainable cities and communities.
The UC3M and sustainable development
The UC3M is a university that is committed to the UNAI principles and the SDGs, which are incorporated into its Strategic Plan 2016-2022, as well as its University Social Responsibility strategy. These principles are promoted through more than twenty specific modules and courses on sustainable development, human rights, basic social services, sustainability and the environment, among others. The UC3M also has a wide range of postgraduate degrees focused on sustainable development in the fields of humanitarian crisis prevention, indigenous communities, economic growth and joint action. Furthermore, the University holds annual awareness activities aimed at the whole university community, such as Green Week, Solidarity Week, Solidarity Passport and the Passport for Equality. On another note, the UC3M also promotes international volunteering for its students and carrying out international cooperation projects focused on development.
The UC3M relies on thirteen cooperation groups and different research institutions, made up of teaching and research staff, PhD students and administration and services staff, dedicated to the promotion of sustainable development. In the field of R+D+I, it promotes scientific production in accordance with the Agenda 2030 goals and collaborates with universities in partner countries to strengthen the higher education systems as a key part of sustainable human development.
