National University of Sudan | SDGs
The National University of Sudan and the Implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.
The University’s vision, mission, objectives, and values are strategically aligned to support the global agenda of sustainable development as outlined by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This alignment reflects the institution’s commitment to fostering a sustainable future through education, research, community engagement, and operational practices.
Vision
The University envisions itself as a leading institution dedicated to advancing sustainable development, innovation, and social responsibility. It aims to inspire students, staff, and partners to contribute meaningfully to the achievement of the SDGs by fostering a culture of sustainability in all aspects of university life.
Mission
Its mission is to provide high-quality education, conduct impactful research, and promote community engagement that directly supports the SDGs. The University seeks to cultivate responsible global citizens equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to address complex sustainable development challenges.
Objectives
- To integrate sustainability principles into curricula, research programmes, and campus operations.
- To collaborate with local, national, and international stakeholders on projects that advance the SDGs.
- To promote innovations and solutions that contribute to economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental protection.
- To raise awareness and foster a culture of sustainability within the university community and beyond.
- To measure and report progress towards sustainability goals, ensuring accountability and continuous improvement.
Values
The core values underpinning the University’s efforts include integrity, inclusiveness, responsibility, innovation, and respect for diversity. These values guide its endeavours to promote equity, environmental stewardship, and social justice, all of which are integral to achieving the SDGs.
| Theme | Relevant SDGs & Focus |
|---|---|
| Education & Technology Integration | SDG 4: Quality Education – Promotes inclusive, equitable education and lifelong learning by integrating modern technologies into curricula. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure – Encourages innovation and the adoption of cutting-edge technologies. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Supports interdisciplinary collaboration across sectors. |
| Research & Innovation Excellence | SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Drives job creation through research-driven innovation ecosystems. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure – Supports scientific research and fosters innovation through startups and patents. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Contributes to urban and rural development through scalable solutions. |
| Community Engagement | SDG 1: No Poverty – Targets underserved regions with equitable access to resources. SDG 5: Gender Equality – Promotes inclusive participation in community initiatives. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Encourages digital empowerment and inclusive entrepreneurship. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Co-design solutions for local community needs. |
| Global Collaboration | SDG 13: Climate Action – Mobilises international collaboration to address climate challenges. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – Contributes to the energy transition through academic partnerships. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Strengthens global academic and industrial collaboration. |
| Cultural & Sustainable Development | SDG 4: Quality Education – Embeds SDGs in teaching and research to cultivate global citizenship. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Preserves cultural heritage while promoting sustainability. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Promotes green campus practices. |
| Science, Technology and Innovation Expansion | SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure – Promotes STI for sustainable industrialisation. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Ensures equitable access to digital education. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – Advocates for ethical AI and responsible technological governance. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Leverages global tech partnerships for national progress. |
SDG Implementation Plan (Academic Year 2025–2026)
Guiding Principles
To facilitate the implementation, NUSU’s faculties have been grouped into three academic clusters:
- Medicine & Health Sciences
- Engineering & IT
- Management, International Relations & Diplomatic Studies
The plan is designed to be practical, cost-effective, socially responsive, and aligned with the university’s academic calendar (October 4, 2025 – July 2026). Activities recognize NUSU’s status as a private, fee-supported university with no government subsidies, and are framed to ensure they do not overburden the academic program.
Implementation Mechanism — Roles & Coordination
- Head of Ranking Committee (overall lead): sets targets, approves KPIs, monitors cross-cluster progress, reports to university leadership.
- SDGs Coordinator (university-wide): translates targets into action plans; consolidates data for SDG reporting; supports course mapping to SDGs.
- NUSU Principal (peer to Deans): facilitates logistics; removes bottlenecks; coordinates with the Public Information Unit on visibility and external partners.
- Public Information Unit: designs communications calendar; publishes monthly SDG highlights; manages media/partner outreach.
- Deans of Faculties: own cluster activities; integrate SDGs into syllabi/research; approve community placements.
- Deanship of Students Affairs: co-leads student engagement; aligns clubs and volunteer programs with faculty plans; runs recognition/awards.
- Deans + Deanship of Students (joint): coordinate directly with students on activities and credits.
- Faculty SDG Focal Points (per faculty): track course mapping, outreach hours, and research outputs.
Cluster-Based SDG Implementation
- Medicine & Health Sciences Cluster
Primary Focus SDGs: SDG 3, SDG 4, SDG 10
- Oct–Dec 2025: Community health awareness days in nearby neighborhoods.
- Jan–Feb 2026: Integrate SDG-based health case studies into the curriculum.
- Mar–Apr 2026: Student-led free medical check-up camps with the Sudanese Red Crescent.
- Jun 2026: Research symposium on Health & SDGs in Sudan.
- Engineering & IT Cluster
Primary Focus SDGs: SDG 7, SDG 9, SDG 11
- Oct–Nov 2025: SDG-linked problem-solving labs (solar energy, water purification).
- Dec 2025–Feb 2026: Innovation competition: Solutions for Low-Income Communities.
- Mar–Apr 2026: Field projects on clean water and sanitation in underserved neighborhoods.
- May 2026: Joint workshop: Engineering Solutions for SDGs.
- Management, International Relations & Diplomatic Studies Cluster
Primary Focus SDGs: SDG 4, SDG 8, SDG 16, SDG 17
- Oct–Dec 2025: Embed SDG case studies into courses.
- Jan–Feb 2026: Policy debate series: Sudan and the SDGs – Local Responsibility, Global Partnerships.
- Mar–Apr 2026: Community business clinics for micro-entrepreneurs.
- May–Jul 2026 (SDG 17 focus):
- MoUs with at least two institutions.
- Joint policy dialogue with UN/NGOs/local government.
- Annual SDG partnership report.
Cross-Cutting University-Wide Activities
- SDG Orientation Week (Oct 2025): Students and faculty introduced to the SDGs.
- Community Engagement (Ongoing): Each cluster commits to one outreach activity per semester.
- Research Alignment (Ongoing): Encourage thesis and research projects linked to SDGs.
- SDG Awareness for Deans, Staff & Employees:
- Nov 2025: Orientation seminar for deans and academic staff on integrating SDGs into faculty governance.
- Jan 2026: Staff training workshop on SDG-linked community engagement.
- Apr 2026: Mid-year awareness session for all administrative employees.
- Jun 2026: Reflection and best-practices session for faculty and staff.
- End-of-Year SDG Showcase (Jul 2026): All clusters present achievements.
Note on Student Clubs & Fundraising
Student clubs will be encouraged to actively seek funding support from UN agencies, NGOs, international organizations, and businesses. Clubs will also co-host SDG events, assist in logistics, and prepare joint reports on fundraising and partnerships.
Flexibility & Cost-Effectiveness
- Activities are cluster-driven and low-cost, relying on existing faculty, students, and facilities.
- Partnerships (SDG 17) provide external support without heavy reliance on university funds.
- Timeline is flexible, allowing adjustment to avoid exam and assessment periods.
| Month | Medicine & Health Sciences Cluster | Engineering & IT Cluster | Management, IR & Diplomatic Studies Cluster | Cross-Cutting & Student Clubs | Awareness for Staff/Deans |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 2025 | Community health awareness days | Problem-solving labs | Embed SDG case studies | SDG Orientation Week; fundraising planning | — |
| Nov 2025 | Continue awareness campaigns | Continue labs | Continue integration | Clubs draft partnership proposals | Deans SDG Orientation Seminar |
| Dec 2025 | Prep case study integration | Launch innovation competition | Faculty guide SDG integration | Fundraising proposals submitted | — |
| Jan 2026 | Curriculum-linked case studies | Competition refinement | Policy debate series begins | Clubs co-organize debates | Staff Training Workshop |
| Feb 2026 | Continue curriculum activities | Competition presentations | Policy debate series concludes | Clubs report on funding | — |
| Mar 2026 | Free medical check-ups | Field project: clean water/sanitation | Community business clinics | Clubs assist in logistics | — |
| Apr 2026 | Continue check-ups | Continue field projects | Business clinics continue | SDG awareness campaign | Mid-Year Awareness for Employees |
| May 2026 | Prep research symposium | Joint workshop with partner university | MoUs signed (SDG 17) | Clubs collaborate on MoUs | — |
| Jun 2026 | Research symposium | Wrap-up workshop | Policy dialogue with UN/NGOs/local govt | Clubs co-organize dialogue | Reflection Session for Faculty & Staff |
| Jul 2026 | Annual health outcomes brief | Project reflections | SDG partnership report | End-of-Year SDG Showcase | — |
