The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agreed upon in 2015 by all member states at the United Nations General Assembly comprise a framework guiding policies and practices that aim to end poverty, protect the planet, and support people’s achievement of peace and prosperity. Each SDG deals with an area of economic, social, political, or environmental engagement, and the goals are intended to be achievable within 15 years, that is, by 2030. Education has a central place in the SDG framework, with its own goal—SDG 4: ‘Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all’. Aspirations for expanded education provision and research in higher education institutions underpin many SDGs.

The policy framework associated with the SDGs means that every goal is linked with ...