Welcome to
Sustainable Development
at STELLENBOSCH UNIVERSITY
What do we mean by Sustainable Development?
Sustainable development has been defined as development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Stellenbosch University is proud of its contribution to the UN’s 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as well as the AU’s Agenda 2063 for a peaceful and prosperous Africa. Both Agendas have sustainable development at their core.
A Sustainable Africa: Partnerships for Progress
2022/2023 Annual Report
This year, with our second Sustainable Development Annual Report (2022/2023), we embark on an insightful exploration of Partnerships for Progress towards sustainability, guided by five crucial themes: People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, and Partnership. These themes resonate with the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the ambitious aspirations of the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and its 20 Goals for a Peaceful and Prosperous Africa.
Sustainable Development for The Africa We Want
2021/2022 Annual Report
SU has a vision to be the leading research-intensive university on the African continent, and to be globally recognized as excellent, inclusive, and innovative, and a place where we advance knowledge in service of society. We believe in living this vision daily through the work that we do in teaching and learning, research, and ensuring a societal impact. One of the aspirations for the realization of our vision is to be a systemically sustainable institution.
Sustainable Development Agendas
The UN’s 2030 Agenda and its SDGs as well as the AU’s Agenda 2063 Goals, were created as a common framework to address the most important social, economic, and environmental challenges currently facing the world.
Sustainable Development at Stellenbosch University
Stellenbosch University’s own strategic vision is aligned with both Sustainable Development Agendas.
Our Campuses
Learn more about sustainability initiatives undertaken on Stellenbosch University’s four campuses.
Research for Sustainability
One of Stellenbosch University’s main objectives as outlined in Vision 2040 and the Strategic Framework 2019-2024 is to become Africa’s leading research-intensive university, focussing on research for impact.
Sustainability Literacy
At Stellenbosch University, we aim to educate the leaders and policy makers of the future.
News
Learn more about recent events, new research and other news regarding sustainability at Stellenbosch University.
Sustainable Development at Stellenbosch University
“Vision 2040 and [SU’s] Strategic Framework 2019–2024 was developed taking into account South Africa’s National Development Plan, the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. It bears testimony to SU’s commitment to being a university that is relevant to its context and is of service to our country and continent – an inclusive, world-class university in and for Africa.”
Prof Wim de Villiers (Vision 2040)
The Environmental Sustainability Plan
The University’s Environmental Sustainability Plan offers a roadmap to develop Stellenbosch responsibly by respecting ecological thresholds, enhancing society, as well as the natural environment – without depleting our natural resources.