The HESI Community
The HESI community consists of UN entities, university networks, student organizations, and higher education institutions committed to advancing sustainable development
1,437 Members
  • Imperial College London

    Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College London University department focused on sustainable development education, training and capacity-building. 23,000 students and 8,000 staff

    Active in:
    Action Group: Education for Green Jobs
  • University of Havana

    Environmental Education The environmental network comprises around 400 members, 15 institutions.

  • OneVarsity

    Our initiative focuses on strengthening the link between higher education and sustainable employability by embedding sustainability principles into skills development. Key areas include: 1- Education focused Operating System: An open, modular, and interoperable, that lets institutions, educators, and learners plug into the tools, content, and services, from across the world, they choose, all within a Unified Academic Interface (ecosystem). 2- Digital Innovation in Education: Deploying platforms with single sign-on academic tools, and data-driven dashboards to modernize higher education systems and decision making. 3- Strengthen Partnerships: Foster collaboration between academia and industry to support integrated approaches to sustainable education and employability. 4- Inclusive Education & Access (SDG 4): Expanding opportunities for students from government and underserved institutions through equitable, technology-enabled learning. 5- Skill Development for Decent Work (SDG 8): Delivering training in technology, management, and soft skills to prepare students for sustainable careers and entrepreneurship. 6- Capacity-Building for Institutions & Faculty: Supporting universities and educators in adopting innovative pedagogies, industry linkages, and sustainability practices. 7- Reducing Inequalities (SDG 10): Ensuring gender balance, social inclusion, and opportunities for marginalized youth within higher education pathways. By focusing on these areas, we aim to transform higher education into a driver of sustainable development, enabling students and institutions to contribute meaningfully to the SDGs. 10,00,000+ and growing users from higher and technical education

  • Solanki Brothers Council for Open and Distance Learning (SBCODL)

    The Solanki Brothers Council for Open and Distance Learning (SBCODL) is committed to integrating the principles of sustainability into higher education, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our focus is on creating inclusive, innovative, and globally relevant learning ecosystems that prepare learners and institutions to contribute actively to sustainable development. 1. Curriculum Integration & Research Embedding sustainability concepts into higher education curricula across disciplines. Promoting interdisciplinary research in areas such as climate change, green technologies, social equity, and digital innovation for sustainable societies. 2. Accessibility & Equity in Education Expanding access to quality higher education for marginalized groups, women, and differently-abled learners. Reducing barriers through open and distance learning (ODL) and technology-enabled platforms. 3. Capacity Building & Professional Development Strengthening the competencies of educators, administrators, and policymakers in sustainability practices. Offering training and certificate programs in sustainable development, leadership, and ethical governance. 4. Global Accreditation Collaborating with universities, accreditation agencies, and NGOs worldwide to share best practices and promote sustainable quality assurance in higher education. Building international exchange programs for students and faculty to foster cross-cultural perspectives on sustainability. 5. Innovation & Technology for Sustainability Leveraging digital learning, artificial intelligence, and e-learning platforms to minimize environmental impact and enhance inclusivity. Encouraging innovation in pedagogy and institutional practices for long-term sustainability. 6. Community Engagement & Social Responsibility Mobilizing higher education institutions as change agents in their local communities. Encouraging student-led initiatives in environmental protection, social justice, and economic empowerment. he Solanki Brothers Council for Open and Distance Learning (SBCODL) maintains a diverse and growing membership base that reflects our mission of advancing open, distance, and sustainable education worldwide. Current Membership Size (as of 2025): Institutional Members: 27 (universities, colleges, schools, and training institutes) Individual Members: 54 (academics, researchers, and professionals) Student Members: 927 (enrolled learners across K–12, higher education, and certificate programs) International Members: 15 (partner institutions and organizations from Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America) Honorary Members: Select distinguished educators and leaders recognized for their contributions Focus of Membership: Our membership framework is designed to: Promote collaboration among institutions and individuals engaged in open, distance, hybrid, vocational, and lifelong learning. Support innovation in higher education, accreditation, and quality assurance. Expand accessibility to education for marginalized learners, women, and differently-abled students. Encourage global partnerships that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This balanced composition of local and international, institutional and individual members enables SBCODL to act as a global platform for knowledge-sharing, professional development, and sustainable educational advancement.

  • University of St.Gallen

    Sustainability in Academia (University of St.Gallen) - We provide a digital resource hub with HighEd open teaching materials for business educators

  • Universiti Sains Malaysia

    At Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), our research in Management Sciences is driven by a strong commitment to addressing urgent environmental challenges through science, innovation, and sustainable solutions. Our work spans a wide range of areas, including pollution control, waste management, water and air quality, renewable energy, climate change adaptation, and environmental monitoring technologies. By combining scientific research with engineering and policy insights, we aim to develop practical strategies and technologies that support environmental protection, efficient resource use, and long-term sustainability. In addition to this, my research focuses on organizational resilience and the performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This area of study explores how SMEs can better withstand disruptions, adapt to change, and sustain growth, especially in the face of environmental, economic, and social challenges. Strengthening resilience at the organizational level is crucial to building more adaptive, sustainable communities and economies. Together, these research efforts reflect USM’s broader mission to contribute meaningfully to global sustainability. Through strong partnerships with industry, government agencies, and local communities, our work continues to inform policy, guide best practices, and support a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient future. We are a public university, with enrollment exceeding 34,000 students across various programs. We have already been nominated as 14th in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2025! USM continues to excel in advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  • Sattan Astoni College London

    At Sattan Astoni College London, sustainability is embedded in both our academic mission and institutional development. Our focus areas around Higher Education for Sustainable Development (HESD) are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and reflect our responsibility as a global education provider. 1. Curriculum Integration: We design and deliver programmes that integrate sustainability principles across disciplines. Business, management, IT, and healthcare modules are enriched with topics such as ethical leadership, digital sustainability, circular economies, and social responsibility. 2. Inclusive and Accessible Education: We are committed to widening participation by offering affordable, flexible online and hybrid learning opportunities. This supports SDG 4 (Quality Education) by ensuring that learners from diverse socio-economic backgrounds, including those in underserved regions, can access higher education. 3. Research & Innovation for Impact: Our academic departments encourage applied research on sustainable solutions, such as digital innovation for education equity, sustainable business practices, and global health. We emphasise real-world impact and encourage student-led projects tackling sustainability challenges. 4. Community and Global Partnerships: We collaborate with professional bodies, employers, and international education networks to share best practices and provide pathways for learners to progress into institutions with strong sustainability commitments. This ensures that our students are connected to wider efforts for systemic change. 5. Ethics, Diversity & Social Responsibility: As part of our institutional philosophy, we prioritise diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as core elements of sustainability. We aim to cultivate graduates who are not only skilled professionals but also socially responsible leaders capable of addressing global challenges with integrity and cultural awareness. Through these areas of focus, Sattan Astoni College London positions itself as a forward-looking institution dedicated to producing graduates who can contribute meaningfully to sustainable development, both locally and globally.

  • The University of Queensland

    Embedding sustainability across disciplines, sustainability-focused research, transdisciplinary approaches, Indigenous and local knowledge, equity and inclusion, sustainable operations, innovation, transformative learning.

    Active in:
    Action Group: Education for Green Jobs
  • The Maldives National University

    At MNU we focus on sustainability in our services (our 2025-2030Startegic Plan ensures this). We focus on teaching about sustainability practices as well as research into these. We pay focus on the SDGs and is currently working on THE Sustainability Ratings We hav a student body of about 7000, academic staff about 250 and administrative staff about 400. Our student body has the MNU Student Union that represents all our students

  • University of Lucknow

    Economics, Environment, Demography and Development 16,000+ students and 475+ faculty members

  • University of Oklahoma

    My research focuses on integrating artificial intelligence, digital twin technologies, and advanced manufacturing systems to support sustainable development. I work on projects that enhance efficiency, reduce material waste, and improve safety in engineering systems. In addition, I contribute to inclusive education and mentoring initiatives that prepare the next generation of engineers and researchers to address sustainability challenges. The University of Oklahoma is a large public research university serving over 30,000 students across multiple campuses, with strong programs in engineering, science, health, and social sciences. Its community emphasizes innovation, sustainability, and global engagement.

  • Dhofar University

    Dhofar University, through its Centre for Sustainability, is committed to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by embedding sustainability into education, research, operations, and community engagement. The University has adopted several key policies to guide its sustainability journey, including: • Policy for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) • Energy and Water Conservation Policy • Transportation Policy • Non-Discrimination, Harassment, and Modern Slavery Policy In addition, DU has developed a strategic plan for sustainability, established an Advisory Committee with representatives from each college, and is preparing a Climate Action Policy aligned with the SDGs, particularly: - SDG 4 (Quality Education), - SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and - SDG 13 (Climate Action). We aim to: • Integrate sustainability across curricula and research. • Implement awareness programs for students, staff, and the wider community. • Strengthen partnerships with government and civil society to address regional sustainability challenges. • Reduce the environmental footprint of campus operations. By joining HESI, Dhofar University seeks to share best practices, learn from international peers, and contribute actively to the global advancement of higher education for sustainable development. Dhofar University serves over 7,000 students across multiple colleges, with programs spanning arts, sciences, engineering, business, medicine and law. The University is deeply engaged with the wider Dhofar community and partners with regional stakeholders to advance sustainability initiatives. Areas of Engagement: • Curriculum integration • Research for sustainable development • Campus sustainability • Partnerships & community engagement • Climate action initiatives Dhofar University is eager to contribute to HESI’s community, participate in global dialogues, and showcase its sustainability practices through reports, events, and collaborative projects.

  • University of the Sunshine Coast

    The University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) is deeply committed to advancing higher education for sustainable development, integrating sustainability across its academic programs, research, campus operations, and community engagement. A standout initiative is the Global Sustainable Development major, which equips students with interdisciplinary tools to address pressing global challenges such as environmental change, poverty, and social justice. The curriculum emphasizes Indigenous perspectives, global environmental politics, and sustainability communication, preparing graduates to lead in diverse sectors. Beyond the classroom, UniSC embeds sustainability into its daily operations through energy efficiency, waste reduction, and ethical food sourcing. Its research portfolio contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, with projects focused on food security, mental health, antimicrobial resistance, and inclusive education. UniSC also fosters strong community ties through initiatives like student-led health services, support for asylum seekers, and regional collaborations in the Pacific. These efforts have earned UniSC global recognition, placing it among the top universities worldwide for impact on the SDGs. As of 2024, the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) has a total student population of 18,911, with approximately 12.1% being international students from 76 countries. The student body is predominantly female (68.7%), with 30.8% male and 0.5% identifying as other. UniSC has five campuses across South East Queensland and one in Adelaide, with the Sunshine Coast campus hosting the largest number of students (10,667). Around 44.3% of students study at least one subject online, and 2,803 students are enrolled in fully online programs. UniSC employs 1,219 staff members, including 397 who are involved in both teaching and research, 64 in research-only roles, and 748 professional staff. The university offers over 100 undergraduate and postgraduate programs, and its research spans 26 fields rated at world standard or above.

  • Network of rectors for Sustainability

    The Network of Rectors for Sustainability is a collaborative platform that mobilizes higher education leaders to align universities with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Paris Agreement, and the guiding frameworks of UNESCO’s Education for Sustainable Development (ESD for 2030) and the Greening Higher Education Framework. Its mission is to position higher education as a public good and a strategic actor in public policy, capable of shaping sustainable governance, advancing equity, and responding to global challenges. The Network operates through four Vice-Presidencies led by rectors: the Vice-Presidency of Strategic Alliances, which fosters cooperation across universities and global partners; the Vice-Presidency of Public Policy, which connects academia with evidence-based policymaking; the Vice-Presidency of Education for Sustainable Development, which integrates sustainability and green skills into curricula, in line with OECD and ILO recommendations; and the Vice-Presidency of Climate Change and Campus Management, which promotes universities as living laboratories aligned with national climate strategies and UNFCCC commitments. Across these structures, the Network strengthens research for sustainability, supports South-South and triangular cooperation, and ensures that inclusion, gender equity, and well-being are central to higher education’s role in sustainable development. Through this governance model, the Network reaffirms its commitment to the Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI) and to advancing fairer, more resilient, and sustainable societies worldwide. At this moment there are more than 20 rectors from LAC university

  • American University of Ras Al Khaimah

    AURAK’s sustainability plan strategically focuses on three critical areas of environmental sustainability. First, it addresses our energy consumption and carbon footprint, promoting the use of clean energy within the AURAK community. Second, it outlines strategies for creating a sustainable built environment, enhancing our efforts for a green and healthy campus. Third, it directs our sustainability initiatives towards operational excellence, focusing on sustainable travel, water efficiency, waste management, and sustainable procurement. Further, AURAK’s commitment to social sustainability is unwavering. It encompasses education, research, governance and equality, health and well-being, community engagement, and partnerships. In an educational environment, AURAK’s sustainability action plan positions its aspirations with realistic goals. It has carefully crafted a sustainable action plan that balances the social and planetary priorities in a way that is both ecologically safe and socially just—a space in which AURAK and the broader community can thrive.

  • Cavite State University Carmona Department of Hospitality Management

    Hospitality and Tourism Education 1,200+ students and faculty

  • St. Thomas College Kozhencherry Kerala

    To mould intellectually well-trained young men and women by providing conducive academic environment. To equip the faculty and students to meet the challenges of modern trends in educational field. 800 students

  • Western Governors University

    Western Governors University (WGU) integrates sustainable development into higher education through competency-based education (CBE), prioritizing skill mastery over seat time, reducing resource use, and enabling flexible learning pathways. Its Environmental Barriers Program proactively supports students affected by natural disasters, maintaining an 87% retention rate during crises. WGU advances educational equity by serving underserved populations (66% of students in 2021) through affordable tuition, need-based scholarships, and personalized mentoring. Academic programs like the B.S. in Secondary Earth Science Education and sustainability-focused courses prepare graduates to address environmental challenges. The university emphasizes sustainable business practices, teaching corporate social responsibility (CSR) and strategies for reducing operational costs through energy efficiency. WGU Labs drives innovation via research on equitable access and scalable EdTech solutions, while policy advocacy promotes infrastructure upgrades and renewable energy initiatives. These efforts collectively position WGU as a leader in aligning higher education with environmental, social, and economic sustainability goals.

    Active in:
    Action Group: SDG Publishers Compact, Education for Green Jobs
  • Ehime University

    Developing education programs and international academic exchange programs related to SDGs SDG-UP

  • Lyceum Northwestern University

    Quality education, peace, justice and strong institutions,