SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals

SDG 17 - Teaching

Ulster University equips students with the knowledge and skills to collaborate across disciplines, sectors and borders to address complex global challenges. Through teaching on sustainable development, international cooperation, responsible business and global citizenship, our courses encourage students to understand the importance of partnerships in delivering sustainable development and achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Undergraduate Courses

Postgraduate Courses

Educational Partnerships

Ulster University works in partnership with post-primary schools and Further Education colleges across Northern Ireland to widen access to higher education and support young people in making informed choices about their futures. Through workshops, campus visits, skills sessions and tailored outreach programmes, the University collaborates with schools and academic staff to raise aspirations, develop skills and create pathways into higher education, engaging more than 3,000 young people each year.

Find out more about our Educational Partnerships

Education for the SDGs

Ulster University's commitment to meaningful education around the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is reflected in its whole-institution approach to Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). The University aims to embed sustainability across the wider learning experience, ensuring that global challenges such as climate change, social inequality and responsible economic development are relevant to students across all disciplines.

Responsible Futures

Since 2022, the University has participated in the SOS-UK Responsible Futures programme and has achieved institutional accreditation. The programme brings staff and students together to review and strengthen sustainability within the curriculum, with a student-led audit assessing the University's progress. A cross-university working group coordinates initiatives to embed sustainability throughout the student experience.

SOS-UK SDG Teach-In

Since 2019, Ulster has encouraged academic and support staff to incorporate the SDGs into at least one teaching or student-support session for the SOS-UK SDG Teach-In, connecting disciplinary knowledge with real-world sustainability challenges. In 2025, Ulster ranked second among participating institutions for the number of educators pledging to take part, and sixth for the proportion of students reached by the campaign.

Principles for Responsible Management Education

The Ulster University Business School, is a member of Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME). PRME promotes responsible management education and the integration of sustainability, ethics and the SDGs into business teaching and research.

Sustainable Leadership Programme

The Sustainable Leadership Programme, delivered in partnership with the Department for the Economy and PODIEM, demonstrates how learning can translate into practical action. Through learning and live workplace sustainability projects, participants develop the knowledge and skills to lead organisational change and address Northern Ireland's green skills gap. More than 60 business leaders from different sectors participated, with 80% strongly agreeing the programme had enhanced their ability to deliver sustainable change. The programme was shortlisted as a finalist for the UK and Ireland Green Gown Awards in the Tomorrow’s Employees category.

SDG 17 - Research

Ulster University’s research contributes to SDG 17 by bringing together expertise across disciplines and collaborating with partners locally, nationally and internationally. Through research partnerships, knowledge exchange and collaborative projects, our researchers share knowledge and resources to address complex challenges and support sustainable development.

Research Stories

Innovation and Collaboration

Ulster University works with businesses, government and other organisations to translate research and innovation into real-world impact. Through collaborative research, knowledge transfer, innovation projects and support for emerging enterprises, the University shares expertise and resources to address shared challenges, drive innovation and contribute to economic and social development.

Find out more about Innovation and Collaboration with Ulster University

Economic Policy Centre

The Economic Policy Centre works with government departments, local authorities, businesses and other stakeholders to provide independent economic research, forecasting and policy advice. Through collaborative projects on areas including regional development, economic policy, skills and local economic impacts, the EPC supports evidence-based decision-making and sustainable economic development across Northern Ireland.

Find out more about the Economic Policy Centre

SDG 17 - Partnerships

Partnerships are central to Ulster University’s approach to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals. We collaborate with governments, businesses, communities, universities and international organisations to share knowledge, expertise and resources, develop solutions to shared challenges and deliver positive impact locally, nationally and internationally.

Partnership Stories

Regional and Community Engagement

Ulster University works collaboratively with communities, government, industry and other stakeholders to support the social, cultural and economic development of Northern Ireland and beyond. Through its regional and community engagement, the University builds purposeful partnerships that promote collaboration, participation and mutual learning, creating positive and lasting impact for individuals and communities.

Find out more about our Regional and Community Engagement

Community Partnerships

Policy and Community Partnerships support Ulster University’s commitment to widening access and participation in higher education, working with communities and partners to reduce barriers and create opportunities for underrepresented groups. Through initiatives such as Access Ambassadors, the Science Shop, community partnerships and widening access programmes, the University builds meaningful relationships that support participation, collaboration and positive community impact.

Find out more about our Policy and Community Partnerships

SDG Flag Day

Ulster University marks SDG Flag Day by bringing the Sustainable Development Goals to life across our campuses and engaging students and staff with the University's contribution to the SDGs. The initiative helps raise awareness of the goals and encourages the University community to consider how they can contribute to sustainable development.

Collaboration for the SDGs

Collaboration for SDG Best Practice

Ulster University undertakes international and cross-border research and knowledge exchange to review approaches to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and share learning that informs best practice. This includes research into food insecurity and its communication across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, involving interviews with news media professionals and third-sector organisations. Findings identified differences in how food poverty is understood and addressed, highlighting the need for evidence-based approaches and improved access to independent data and expertise.

International knowledge exchange supports the development and dissemination of practice. In June 2025, the University hosted a Social Supermarket Knowledge Exchange Webinar, attracting 83 registrations and speakers from government and third-sector organisations. Part of an IAM/BAM Research Collaborative Award, it generated interest from an Australian Community of Practice led by Australia’s State Government Department of Human Services and Flinders University, enabling international knowledge sharing.

The University also participates in cross-border collaboration to develop innovative SDG solutions. The €5.9 million TRACE project brings together partners across the island of Ireland to address food waste using Internet of Things technologies, developing solutions to optimise food processing and supply chains and promote sustainability.

Collaborations with NGOs for the SDGs

Ulster University collaborates with NGOs and third-sector organisations to address the SDGs through research, educational resources and sustainability skills development.

Research on food insecurity involved 14 third-sector representatives from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, alongside 16 news media professionals, examining how food poverty is understood and communicated and identifying approaches to improve evidence-based communication and policy responses.

The University also works with Business in the Community NI to support student sustainability leadership, delivering an Empowering Future Generations through Sustainable Leadership session with Business in the Community NI, as part of the Students as Leaders programme, providing students with external expertise and practical perspectives on sustainability and responsible leadership.

The Leading Sustainable Impact programme further develops sustainability leadership through a four-day programme combining university-level leadership development, live organisational projects, external speakers, academics and local exemplars. Participants build a network of approximately 20 business leaders driving sustainable change.

Further third-sector and community collaboration includes the Social Supermarket Knowledge Exchange Webinar, featuring FoodCloud, Larder>East and Your Local Pantry alongside government and academic partners. The event attracted 83 registrations and formed part of an IAM/BAM Research Collaborative Award.