SDG 11 report – How can universities contribute to sustainable cities and communities?

As people continue to move to urban areas, with 68% of the population projected to live in cities by 2050, in tandem with the climate crisis, developing environmentally, socially and economically sustainable cities and communities remains an important goal in which higher education plays a key role.   

On November 2023, UNESCO IESALC and Times Higher Education published a joint report on the contribution that universities can make to the Sustainable Development Goals. After their initial publication on SDG 5 (gender equality), this second joint publication focused on SDG 11 and the positive impact that universities can have in their urban environment and local communities.

The report provides an overview of relevant literature and policy measures selected from all over the world. Against this backdrop, it provides analysis of THE data from 783 higher education institutions (HEIs) which reported on their policies pertaining to SDG 11 in 2022. The data observed 19 metrics dispersed across the areas of research, support of the arts and heritage, and sustainable practices. 

The report can be accessed in UNESDOC in English and Spanish.