The SDG4U project, funded by the European Union’s Erasmus+ program, is working to advance the process of transforming higher education by integrating the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into academic institutions. With a focus on fostering sustainability in teaching, research, and community engagement, SDG4U is empowering universities to lead the way in sustainability education and practices.
At the heart of the initiative is the SDG4U Mapping Tool, an open-source platform designed to help universities align their curricula with SDGs. This innovative tool allows professors and students to assess and enhance the integration of sustainability in courses, offering features like interactive data visualization and comprehensive feedback mechanisms. By fostering collaboration and reflection, the tool inspires a culture of sustainability-driven education.
The development of the Mapping Tool is part of a more comprehensive action towards developing competences and raising awareness in the educational community about how to understand and promote sustainable development.
SDG4U has launched a survey to assess sustainability perceptions and practices within universities. These insights will guide future efforts, ensuring a meaningful impact on the academic community. The project also includes capacity-building initiatives, such as the upcoming Train the Trainer seminar in May 2025, which will equip academic staff in the partner universities with the necessary skills to embed SDGs into their teaching practices. Moreover, Partners produced targeted content for both staff and students, guidance tools and inspiring cases to call for action! Particularly enriching are the collection of good practices and tools used by academic institutions around the world to promote and implement SDGs, and a collection of successful educational initiatives (such as courses, seminars and webinars) and methodologies related to the implementation and promotion of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
As part of its commitment to raising awareness, SDG4U has launched an SDGs Awareness Campaign, featuring local events, open webinars, social media ads, and a number of transversal activities engaging all Partners. Highlights of the campaign so far were: the Deree Science Day 2025, hosted by the American College of Greece, which brought together students, educators, and sustainability advocates to explore the SDGs through interactive activities; SDG4U presented by the University of College Cork during the Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) Spotlight Series, which showcases innovative and inspiring ESD initiatives in collaboration with higher education institutions across Ireland.
For more information and to explore the SDG4U Mapping Tool, visit www.sdg4uproject.eu and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
