The Transdisciplinary Living Lab Model (TDLL)
169
1.1 Background Context to Our Universities’ Commitment
to the SDGs
In 2016 and 2017 respectively, the University of Technology Sydney
1 and the Western
Sydney University
2 signed a formal commitment to the SDGs and the associated 169
targets. The Commitment was organised by the Australia Pacific network
3 within
the global Sustainable Development Solutions Network.
4 The network is a United
Nations initiative which links and amplifies the role of Universities in achieving the
SDGs. The University Commitment to the SDGs recognises the significant role of
Universities in collaboratively realising the SDGs:
Universities will have a vital role to play in addressing these critical global challenges and
achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Universities have a responsibility through
their teaching to equip the next generation of leaders, innovators and thinkers to understand
the global challenges facing the world and the role they can play in rising to meet these
challenges. Through their research and training of research leaders, universities are at the
forefront of finding sustainable social, economic, environmental and technical solutions to
global problems. Finally, through their own operations universities can pioneer innovation
and can set an example to other sectors and businesses (UTS 2016).
This Commitment underscores the importance of integrating educational goals
with the everyday experience of campus life.
As discussed below, the TDLL integrates the three opportunities identified in
the SDG Commitment (bolded above) into one collaborative learning experience.
Combined, the TDLL and the communication of the results though the writing of
this chapter contribute to the five agreements in the Commitment, namely that the
universities involved will:
• “support and promote the principles of the Sustainable Development Goals
• undertake research that provides solutions to sustainable development challenges
• provide the educational opportunity for our students to acquire the knowledge and
skills needed to promote sustainable development
• contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by ensuring
our campuses and major programs are environmentally sustainable and socially
inclusive,
• report on our activities in support of the Sustainable Development Goals” (UTS
2016).
1 www.uts.edu.au/research-and-teaching/our-research/institute-sustainable-futures/news/endingpoverty-protecting.
2 www.westernsydney.edu.au/newscentre/news_centre/more_news_stories/western_sydney_
university_commits_to_un_sustainable_development_goals_2030.
3 http://ap-unsdsn.org/regional-initiatives/universities-sdgs/university-commitment-overview/.
4 http://unsdsn.org.
169
1.1 Background Context to Our Universities’ Commitment
to the SDGs
In 2016 and 2017 respectively, the University of Technology Sydney
1 and the Western
Sydney University
2 signed a formal commitment to the SDGs and the associated 169
targets. The Commitment was organised by the Australia Pacific network
3 within
the global Sustainable Development Solutions Network.
4 The network is a United
Nations initiative which links and amplifies the role of Universities in achieving the
SDGs. The University Commitment to the SDGs recognises the significant role of
Universities in collaboratively realising the SDGs:
Universities will have a vital role to play in addressing these critical global challenges and
achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Universities have a responsibility through
their teaching to equip the next generation of leaders, innovators and thinkers to understand
the global challenges facing the world and the role they can play in rising to meet these
challenges. Through their research and training of research leaders, universities are at the
forefront of finding sustainable social, economic, environmental and technical solutions to
global problems. Finally, through their own operations universities can pioneer innovation
and can set an example to other sectors and businesses (UTS 2016).
This Commitment underscores the importance of integrating educational goals
with the everyday experience of campus life.
As discussed below, the TDLL integrates the three opportunities identified in
the SDG Commitment (bolded above) into one collaborative learning experience.
Combined, the TDLL and the communication of the results though the writing of
this chapter contribute to the five agreements in the Commitment, namely that the
universities involved will:
• “support and promote the principles of the Sustainable Development Goals
• undertake research that provides solutions to sustainable development challenges
• provide the educational opportunity for our students to acquire the knowledge and
skills needed to promote sustainable development
• contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by ensuring
our campuses and major programs are environmentally sustainable and socially
inclusive,
• report on our activities in support of the Sustainable Development Goals” (UTS
2016).
1 www.uts.edu.au/research-and-teaching/our-research/institute-sustainable-futures/news/endingpoverty-protecting.
2 www.westernsydney.edu.au/newscentre/news_centre/more_news_stories/western_sydney_
university_commits_to_un_sustainable_development_goals_2030.
3 http://ap-unsdsn.org/regional-initiatives/universities-sdgs/university-commitment-overview/.
4 http://unsdsn.org.