In 2015, the United Nations adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as a blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. At its core are 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which address the major global challenges facing human society, including poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace and justice. A recently released book, Global Goals, Global Education: Advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, published by NAFSA: Association of International Educators, is a practical guide for higher education institutions that want to build or strengthen their alignment with the UN SDGs.

Higher education is a catalyst for innovation and knowledge creation. Universities serve as hubs of intellectual exchange and collaboration, bringing together diverse perspectives and harnessing the collective wisdom of scholars from around the globe. This book highlights how higher education institutions are integrating the SDGs into their priorities and strategies, teaching and research, and engagement across campus, local and international communities. 

Edited by Jolynn Shoemaker, director of global engagements and Joanna Regulska, vice provost and dean at UC Davis Global Affairs, the book includes a forward by Ms. Amina J. Mohammed, deputy secretary-general of the United Nations and chair of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group, and 16 chapters that feature institutions and countries around the world.

Divided into five parts, the book explores a variety of topics, including:

• developing a holistic and intentional approach to higher education Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) engagement;
• integrating the SDGs into institutional goals and priorities;
• advancing the SDGs through teaching and research;
• bridging global, regional, national, and local communities; and
• considering the way forward.