As one of the most aspirational (and political) Sustainable Development Goals, SDG 16 is all about building peaceful, inclusive societies. Universities can play a critical role in promoting peace and justice – for example, they can mobilize graduate students to drive change within their institutions and beyond.
SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) calls for peaceful and inclusive societies, access to justice for all, and effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels. With one-quarter of the global population living in conflict-affected countries and the pervasiveness of corruption in every region, fighting for SDG 16 is crucial in securing a safe and sustainable future for everyone.
SDG 16 is one of the most aspirational SDGs because it is the most political, and its priority differs widely from country to country. In fact, SDG 16 was only accepted once “Rule of Law” was removed from its title because Russia and China considered the concept as undermining their sovereignty.
Universities can significantly impact SDG 16 through teaching and research. After all, universities are responsible for cultivating future leaders and global citizens. As Phil Baty, Chief Knowledge Officer at Times Higher Education (THE), says, “Universities are empowering the next generation of leaders to be sustainable citizens. But also, they’re creating the skills we need to drive forward the SDGs,” Phil tells us. (03:13)
It is also important to note that, by their nature, universities hold a privileged place in modern society. In many countries, university students have greater access to positions in governance and policy-making. Thus why universities can mobilize graduate students to serve as “agents of change” for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings are a vital tool for students looking for universities that practice what they preach. They are the only rankings that evaluate universities’ impact (based on the SDGs).
Phil explains, “You can start to tease out some of that institutional ethos from this sort of work and look at those areas. In terms of careers as well, it’s great if you think, ‘I really do want a career, for example, in international relations and diplomacy,’ you can look at SDG 16, which is Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. There’s an extraordinary variety of data and a great diversity of universities.” (17:06)
According to the THE Impact Rankings 2022, the top universities tackling SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) are:
THE used the following metrics to measure universities’ performance on SDG 16:
University governance measures metric rewards schools that lead by example for SDG 16. It encompasses a variety of intriguing aspects that impact the educational experience. For starters, elected representation on the university’s governing body ensures diverse voices are heard in decision-making. Additionally, student unions provide a platform for students to engage in activism and advocate for their needs.
To further involve the community, universities establish policies to identify and engage local stakeholders, fostering a strong connection between the institution and its surroundings. Moreover, university principles on organized crime, corruption, and bribery ensure a commitment to ethical conduct and transparency. Lastly, university financial data sheds light on the institution’s resource allocation and financial health, allowing for greater accountability. Together, these measures create a comprehensive approach to university governance.
With a score of 96.4, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) holds the #1 spot for SDG 16 in THE’s Impact Rankings 2022. While Malaysia continues to face challenges in achieving SDG 16, it is showing signs of improvement. More specifically, Malaysia has significantly improved on indicators such as property rights, press freedom, and access to and affordability of justice.
Overall, USM takes a highly proactive approach toward sustainable development. The school’s Centre for Global Sustainability Studies (CGSS) streamlines sustainability efforts within the university, bringing together various stakeholders – including regional and international sustainability organizations, regional and national governments, civil society, non-profit organizations, and the private sector.
USM is also home to Research and Education for Peace (REPUSM), a research unit that aims to actively contribute to promoting peace. In partnership with global and regional organizations, REPUSM participates in regional training workshops on peacebuilding and conflict transformation.
The mission to drive peace and justice in higher education is a noble one. As we’ve seen, schools worldwide are doing their part in contributing to more just futures for all.
“It’s really clear to us that they have put the SDGs at the very heart of their mission,” Phil shares. “They’re embedded at the university at the very leadership level. They’re cascading through all the undergraduate courses and the graduate courses, you know, sustainability is there available to students to overtly learn about. They’re focusing a lot of their research activities in these areas, and they’re managing their own affairs very well, so it’s inspirational.” (12:33)
In conclusion, universities play a crucial role in promoting peace and justice in higher education. As they foster the next generation of leaders and global citizens, their commitment to achieving SDG 16 remains critical. With institutions like USM leading the way, the pursuit of peace and justice in higher education can inspire positive change around the world.
Want to study at a university that invests in promoting peace, justice, and strong institutions? Reach out directly to master’s ambassadors to hear about their experiences.
