Seven Deans from Seven Campuses Collaborate on SIU’s 2025 Sustainable Development Goals Strategy

 In a coordinated effort spanning three continents, seven Deans representing the seven campuses of Swiss International University (SIU) held a hybrid strategic meeting—both online and on campus—to finalize the university’s 2025 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Strategy.

The meeting brought together academic leaders from Bishkek, Lucerne, Dubai, Zurich, London, Riga, and Osh, with the goal of aligning SIU’s educational activities, research initiatives, and operational practices with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

To ensure transparency and an external perspective, a representative from the European Center for Distance Learning (EUCDL) joined the meeting as an observer, following the discussions on sustainability and academic planning.

Purpose of the Meeting

The event marked the first time all SIU campuses jointly developed a single, university-wide sustainability plan. The Deans reviewed SIU’s academic programs, campus operations, and partnerships to ensure the institution integrates sustainability principles into teaching, research, and administration across its global network.

Key objectives included:

• Introducing sustainability-focused modules across multiple academic disciplines.

• Setting carbon neutrality targets for campus operations.

• Expanding digital education technologies to increase accessibility and reduce environmental impact.

• Strengthening research collaborations on climate change, clean energy, and digital innovation.

• Establishing student-led sustainability initiatives on all campuses.

Strategic Outcomes

The meeting resulted in the adoption of a five-pillar SDG framework for SIU:

1. Quality Education (SDG 4): Expand online learning, scholarships, and sustainability education.

2. Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7): Introduce renewable energy solutions on campuses.

3. Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9): Develop smart classrooms, virtual labs, and digital learning systems.

4. Climate Action (SDG 13): Achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 and integrate climate literacy into curricula.

5. Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17): Strengthen international collaborations for research and academic exchange.

Role of Each Campus

The Deans agreed that individual campuses will contribute according to their regional strengths:

• Lucerne will focus on renewable energy and executive education.

• Dubai will advance digital learning and vocational training programs.

• Zurich will host online education platforms and research hubs.

• Bishkek will lead teacher education and rural outreach programs.

• London will coordinate international partnerships and joint academic projects.

• Riga will develop EU-funded research on sustainability topics.

• Osh will promote community-based education and environmental awareness.

Future Plans

Following the meeting, SIU announced plans to:

• Establish SDG Research Hubs in selected campuses.

• Launch Student Innovation Labs focusing on sustainability solutions.

• Host the First Annual SIU SDG Conference in 2027.

• Publish annual sustainability reports to monitor progress toward 2030 targets.

Conclusion

The 2025 SDG Strategy meeting demonstrates how international universities can coordinate across multiple campuses and regions to address global challenges through education. With an EUCDL observer present, the meeting reflected a commitment to transparency and academic collaboration beyond institutional boundaries.

By integrating sustainability principles into academic programs, research initiatives, and campus operations, SIU aims to contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals while strengthening its position as a globally connected, future-oriented institution.