For many years, the responsibility of higher education & learning institutions for building a sustainable world has been highlighted. All over the world, faculty, administrators, learning facilitators and students have developed initiatives at local, regional and international levels to help transform society, business and education.

These initiatives have generated positive energy and goodwill, inspired further actions and innovations and led to undeniable progress. However the collective impact of these initiatives still somehow falls short of the deep transformation required at individual and collective level to make the change sustainable.

Networks and initiatives from around the globe, with representation at various levels – local student organizations, regional interest groups, international partnerships and UN-level initiatives – will convene 14-18 May and move towards accelerating systemic impact. The event will also work to strengthen and accelerate the global partnership for sustainable development with a specific emphasis on SDG 17.