We are proud to announce that the American Institute of Applied Sciences in Switzerland (AUS) has officially become a signatory of the SDG Accord, joining over 800 universities and colleges worldwide in our commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This marks another step in our commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, aligning with our strategic goals to foster a sustainable future.

About the SDG Accord

The SDG Accord was launched in September 2017. Initiated by the UK and Ireland-based Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges (EAUC), the SDG Accord is a collective response to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) from the world’s universities and colleges. The Accord asks signatories to make a commitment to embed the SDGs into their education, research, leadership, operations, administration and engagement activities. Reflecting the “leave no one behind’ approach, while anyone in an institution can sign the Accord as an individual, for an institution to formally endorse the Accord it must be signed by the most senior person within that institution, to ensure there is institutional accountability for progress.

The Accord is a public declaration of an institution’s commitment to sharing and reporting on their progress towards the SDGs – giving rich insight into the actions undertaken by higher and further education and their outcomes in our communities and the world at large. Universities and colleges occupy a unique societal position – they are powerful influencers of the next generation of leaders, professionals, artists and scholars. They also hold significant financial and cultural assets and are often the bedrock of strong communities. While the sustainability journey of each institution will reflect their unique context, it is clear that connecting them one to another through the SDG Accord offers the opportunity for scaling of impact. The SDG Accord provides a platform to come together in a movement, to inspire, celebrate and advance the critical role that education has in delivering the SDGs, and present the impact of signatories in a coherent Report for use by the UN, governments, business and wider society.

Dr. Gaidi Faraj, our Dean of Academics, emphasized the importance of this commitment: "This initiative is a testament to our dedication to the Sustainable Development Goals. It reflects our ongoing efforts to enhance our curriculum and institutional practices to support a sustainable future. By signing the SDG Accord, AUS is taking a leadership role in embedding sustainability and social responsibility into the core of our educational mission.”

Dr. Mohamad El Khansa, President of AUS, also shared his vision, stating that "Our engagement with the SDG Accord aligns perfectly with one of the key pillars of our 5-year strategic plan. This initiative not only represents our promise to advance global sustainability but also reflects our ongoing efforts to integrate these critical goals within our institutional framework."

Sustainability is a cornerstone of our institution's ethos and is prominently featured in our five-year strategic plan. We are committed to teaching and implementing sustainability in all aspects of our campus life and operations. This commitment reflects our dedication to preparing our students to make significant contributions to a sustainable future.

AUS joins the collective efforts of higher education institutions worldwide that are critical players in achieving the SDGs through their teaching, research, operations, and leadership. Together we can empower the next generation of sustainability leaders and changemakers.

https://www.eauc.org.uk/sdg_accord_report_2023_progress_towards_the_glo

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