A research university with global impact
SFU is a leading research university, advancing an inclusive and sustainable future. Recognizing that universities have a crucial role to play in achieving the SDGs, SFU is making an impact through our leadership and expertise, knowledge generation, education, campus operations and public engagement.
The Times Higher Education 2024 Impact Rankings place SFU as a world leader for its global impact on sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11) and climate action (SDG 13).
#1
in Canada
Sustainable cities & communities (SDG 11)
#1
in Canada
Climate action (SDG 13)
#22
in the world
Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (SDG 16)
Going the Distance for Race to Zero
SFU has joined the UN-led Race To Zero global campaign to rally for a resilient zero-carbon recovery that prevents future threats and unlocks inclusive, sustainable growth.
Joining Race To Zero continues SFU's commitment to be a leader for sustainability initiatives and helps set targets for the decade following the end of SFU's Strategic Sustainability and Climate Action Plan and the development of a new 2035 net zero plan.
17 Goals to Transform our World
The UN SDGs are the world’s call-to-action to end poverty, protect the planet and leave no one behind.
They recognize that ending poverty and other deprivations must complement strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth—all while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests.
SFU is leading progress on all 17 goals through research, campus operations, community engagement and more.
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From partnering with the B.C. Poverty Reduction Coalition, to chronicling the journey of women, poverty and education in Mexico, SFU is engaging communities to support the end of poverty in all its forms.
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To end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture, SFU researchers are developing renewable and creative strategies to support sustainable food systems and reduce food waste.
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SFU supports health across the human lifespan. During the global COVID-19 pandemic, SFU researchers co-led a new national infectious disease modeling network, mapped COVID-19 vulnerabilities in B.C. communities and informed decision-makers on managing travel restrictions more effectively.
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Community programming and learning resources at facilities like SFU's Centre for Educational Excellence and the SFU Surrey - TD Community Engagement Centre are contributing to inclusive, equitable education and learning opportunities.
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Ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education, SFU tracked the gender gap across some of Canada's most influential national news media, launched its first diversity meter and reinvented the future with Canada’s first and only artificial intelligence enrichment program for young women. SFU is committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive community where all feel welcome, safe, accepted and appreciated in learning, teaching, research and work.
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From innovative student start-ups to a new national research and training program, SFU supports availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation.
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SFU’s energy research groups work to accelerate Canada’s clean energy transition to help support access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy.
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SFU scholars are publishing vital research that supports inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work.
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SFU's innovation strategy engages SFU researchers, staff and students with our communities and partners to solve societal challenges through innovation and entrepreneurship. SFU builds resilient infrastructure, promotes inclusive and sustainable industrialization and fosters innovation.
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SFU is working on foundational concepts related to equity, racial justice, Indigenous rights and decolonization through a collaborative process.
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SFU is a world-leading university for impact on sustainable cities and communities. Renewable Cities is a global program of SFU’s Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue whose mission is to support cities through the transition to 100% renewable energy and increased energy efficiency.
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SFU is raising awareness and opportunities to promote responsible consumption and production through our operations, research and teaching and learning.
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SFU has joined the United Nations' Race To Zero global campaign and renewed our 2022-2025 Strategic Sustainability and Climate Action Plan to mobilize climate action at our institution.
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The sustainability of our oceans is under severe threat. SFU researchers are working to recover sea life population and implementing strategies to support this sustainability crisis.
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More than a quarter of species assessed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature red list are threatened with extinction. SFU has a number of initiatives and projects, courses and people working to support SDG 15.
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SFU has a mandate to foster shared understanding and positive action through dialogue and engagement. The university incorporates environmental, social and corporate governance considerations into its investment decisions.
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SFU has more than 250 international partnerships for research, experiential learning, academic collaborations and sustainable development projects. Our strong network of partners allow us to work together, across disciplines, sectors and countries, to mobilize on the SDGs globally.
Working in Tandem with SFU's Strategic Sustainability and Climate Action Plan
SFU's action on the UN SDGs go hand-in-hand with SFU's 2022-2025 Strategic Sustainability and Climate Action Plan, which establishes SFU's sustainability goals, defines SFU's climate action targets and outlines how SFU will take action to achieve them.
Sustainable Development in Action
See how SFU's communities, organizations and partners are working together to improve life and generate positive change for our world.