UTAR elevates its sustainability journey with SDG Accord recognition

Over two decades of pursuing quality and nurturing talents of myriad expertise, UTAR is now officially a signatory to the SDG Accord.

The SDG Accord, a global initiative launched by the Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges (EAUC) in 2017, serves as a collective effort to align not only higher education institutions but also individuals worldwide with the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It promotes the integration of the SDGs into education, empowering sustainable action and cultivating sustainability-minded philosophies among learners and educators across the globe.

With over 3,200 members, the Accord has become one of the most significant sustainability frameworks in the higher education sector. Its rapidly growing network of supporters is dedicated to exchanging best practices and accelerating transformation towards a more sustainable future by 2030. Progress made by Accord members is presented annually at the UN High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development.

Sustainability has always been a core component of UTAR’s strategic framework. Beyond providing quality and affordable education, the University is committed to realising a sustainable future built on lifelong learning, environmental responsibility, and inclusive prosperity.

At UTAR, collaboration is an invaluable impetus that enriches the holistic education experience for students and the wider community. To date, the University’s close partnership with more than 800 institutions and organisations worldwide has brought forth diverse joint initiatives that strengthen learners’ soft and hard skills both inside and outside the classroom. These initiatives include scholarships and financial aid, study tours, joint degree programmes, community outreach, global conferences, upskilling programmes, student mobility programmes, industrial training, and research collaborations. Collectively, they are designed to enhance students’ academic, professional, and personal development while fostering a belief in giving back to society—a bedrock philosophy upheld by UTAR, founded as a university ‘by the people, for the people.’

In addition to education, promoting the health of the community and environment is also a key commitment of UTAR. Both campuses (Kampar and Sungai Long) regularly organise sports events, health campaigns, and community outreach activities. These initiatives are often open to the public, underscoring the importance of community engagement in shaping a holistic campus experience. Since the University’s establishment, the campus community has been encouraged to embrace its natural surroundings. In this regard, cycling and e-buggy modes of transport, along with solar panel installations, are common features of the green Kampar Campus. The establishment of UTAR Hospital further elevates the University’s commitment to improving healthcare quality, with a broad range of health services and additional public health initiatives offered by the nascent health institution.

UTAR’s participation in the SDG Accord marks an exciting milestone in its journey towards sustainability and innovation. Not only is the University proud and honoured to be recognised as part of this epochal drive, but the recognition also reinforces UTAR’s ongoing efforts to advance sustainability—a commitment interwoven with innovation to ensure that the spirit of sustained excellence continues to flourish for generations to come.