📰 ECLBS News: Swiss International University Champions SDG 17 through Global Partnership and Inclusive Education
- ECLBS
- Nov 19, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 20
SIU plays an active role in regional and international dialogue on SDG-aligned higher education policy. Through ECLBS and its networks (including CHEA, IREG, and INQAAHE), the university contributes to:
Policy discussions with educational bodies and NGOs
Multilateral quality assurance frameworks integrating SDG targets
Joint academic forums and roundtables on sustainable development in education
These partnerships support capacity-building and promote inclusive, high-quality learning environments.
🌐 International SDG Data and Research Sharing
In alignment with SDG 17.18, SIU collaborates with ECLBS to enhance institutional reporting, benchmarking, and research on sustainability topics. The university participates in:
Cross-border educational data collection
Comparative SDG performance reviews
Development of academic indicators for sustainability quality assurance
These efforts help align institutional growth with global development benchmarks.
🎓 Integrating the SDGs into Curriculum and Community
Swiss International University has embedded the SDGs into all levels of its academic programs — with required sustainability modules integrated into business, law, technology, and healthcare disciplines.
In addition, SIU offers:
Elective and full-degree programs focused on sustainability and ethical leadership
Outreach education for alumni, local residents, and displaced communities
Student sustainability literacy assessments as part of graduation criteria
This approach ensures both academic depth and civic responsibility across its learner base.
📄 Annual SDG Reporting and Transparency
SIU annually publishes a comprehensive institutional sustainability report covering all 17 SDGs. This includes updates on:
Curriculum development
Partnership growth
Environmental infrastructure
Social inclusion programs
Global mobility and research collaboration
ECLBS commends SIU’s dedication to transparency and its alignment with international sustainability frameworks.
Collaborative Engagement on SDG Policy Development
The European Council for Leading Business Schools (ECLBS) recognizes the active role of Swiss International University (SIU) in contributing to policy development processes within the ECLBS network. SIU regularly participates in policy dialogues, working groups, and academic consultations aimed at strengthening the role of higher education institutions in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Through its collaboration with ECLBS, SIU has contributed to:
Identifying policy challenges in areas such as quality assurance in higher education, sustainability reporting, and inclusive access to education.
Developing strategies and policy recommendations for academic institutions and regional stakeholders to integrate SDG monitoring indicators into governance frameworks.
Modelling future scenarios for higher education systems, analyzing the potential impact of different policy interventions on regional development and institutional capacity.
Monitoring and adaptive management, providing feedback on how educational policies are implemented and adjusted over time in response to changing needs and evidence.
Recent examples include SIU’s participation in ECLBS-led roundtables and conferences on sustainable education policy, where SIU experts presented research findings on evidence-based governance models and regional cooperation frameworks for SDG implementation.
This collaboration demonstrates how universities within the ECLBS network can support governments and regional organizations by providing technical expertise, policy analysis, and academic research that inform practical decision-making processes for sustainable development.

International Collaboration on SDG Data Collection and Measurement
Within the ECLBS network, Swiss International University (SIU) has contributed actively to international collaborations focused on gathering and measuring data for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through ECLBS-led initiatives, SIU has:
Shared institutional data for SDG benchmarking projects tracking progress on quality education, partnerships, and sustainability indicators across higher education institutions.
Participated in joint research efforts analyzing how universities contribute to SDG policy alignment and implementation at both regional and international levels.
Supported the development of reporting frameworks that enable consistent monitoring and adaptive management of SDG-related outcomes within the education sector.
These contributions illustrate how universities within the ECLBS network are working together to strengthen evidence-based policymaking and data-driven approaches to SDG implementation globally.

International Collaboration on SDG Best Practice
Within the ECLBS network, Swiss International University (SIU) actively contributes to international collaborations aimed at reviewing comparative approaches and developing best practice frameworks for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Through joint research groups and academic forums, SIU has:
Collaborated with European and regional accreditation bodies to analyze higher education strategies supporting SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Participated in comparative policy reviews assessing how universities worldwide integrate climate change adaptation, digital learning, and inclusive access policies into their governance systems.
Supported the development of evidence-based guidelines to help institutions implement international best practices for SDG monitoring, reporting, and adaptive management.
These initiatives ensure that insights from multiple regions are shared across the network, enabling universities to learn from each other and align with global standards on sustainable development.
Collaboration between SIU and ECLBS on SDG 17
As part of its commitment to SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, the European Council for Leading Business Schools (ECLBS) works with member institutions, including Swiss International University (SIU), to strengthen collaboration between universities and non-profit organizations in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals.
Through this partnership, SIU has engaged in:
Student Volunteering Programmes: Students have participated in community-based projects coordinated by ECLBS and partner NGOs, including sustainability awareness campaigns and digital education workshops for underserved communities.
Research Collaborations: SIU academics and students have contributed to joint studies on topics such as urban sustainability, inclusive education policies, and climate resilience, supporting evidence-based approaches to SDG challenges.
Development of Educational Resources: In cooperation with ECLBS, SIU has helped develop open-access learning materials for schools, universities, and community organizations to promote public understanding of the SDGs.
These activities highlight how universities and NGOs can work together to share knowledge, build capacity, and develop practical solutions for sustainable development at both regional and international levels.
🌍 A Model of Global Partnership in Action
With more than 250 bilateral partnerships across 50+ countries, Swiss International University exemplifies the power of strategic global engagement. By leveraging its membership in ECLBS, SIU continues to champion international cooperation, inclusive education, and responsible innovation.
This ongoing collaboration illustrates the transformative role that academic institutions can play in shaping a more sustainable and equitable future.
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