UniSC actively initiates and participates in cross-sectoral dialogue about the SDGs, engaging with government, NGOs, and community stakeholders through conferences, partnerships, and collaborative projects. Here are key examples:

1. Regional Partnership Agreement with Sunshine Coast Council

UniSC and Sunshine Coast Council have a long-standing Regional Partnership Agreement focused on advancing environmental, community, and economic interests.

• This partnership includes joint research projects such as Valuing our Natural Environment, which informs policy and planning for sustainable development.
• The collaboration facilitates ongoing dialogue between academia and local government to support SDG-aligned strategies.

2. Participation in SDG-Focused Conferences and Publications

UniSC researchers have contributed to national and international SDG discourse through academic conferences and publications:

• A recent article in Microbiology Australia highlights UniSC’s integration of SDGs into the teaching–research nexus, showcasing how higher education institutions can drive sustainability through cross-sectoral collaboration.
• UniSC Fraser Coast hosted Voices of K’gari: Research, Respect and Responsibility conference in November 2024. This event focused on citizen science, cultural knowledge, and academic research related to K’gari and the Great Sandy Region. The conference fostered dialogue between researchers, Indigenous leaders, and environmental organisations. (SDG 15 and SDG17).
• UniSC Thought Leadership Series was held in October 2024. It was co-hosted with IML ANZ and the 4556 Chamber of Commerce. This forum brought together business leaders, academics, and community organisations to address inclusive workforce development. (SDG 8 and SDG10).
• Cancer Survivorship Seminar hosted in October 2024 by the UniSC Cancer Research Cluster.  This seminar explored survivorship research and support systems. The event engaged healthcare professionals, researchers, and NGOs in dialogue about improving outcomes for cancer survivors. (SDG3)

3. Green Gown Awards and Powerful Partnerships

UniSC was a finalist in the Green Gown Awards Australasia, recognised for:

• The Alliance for Suicide Prevention, a partnership-based initiative addressing mental health (SDG 3).
• The K’gari World Heritage Discovery Centre, developed with the Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation and Sealink, promoting environmental education and cultural heritage (SDG 15).

These projects demonstrate UniSC’s role in convening diverse stakeholders around shared sustainability goals.

Summary

UniSC has contributed to cross-sectoral dialogue about the SDGs through partnerships with regional governmental and engaging community stakeholders and collaborators using conferences and publications.

More information 

• UniSC Sustainable Development Goals Report 2024
• Sunshine Coast Council and UniSC Regional Partnership Agreement
• Voices of K’gari Conference