The University of Thessaly has achieved a significant milestone by joining the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) initiative! This prestigious recognition places the University among 1,600 institutions from 156 countries, united in a shared commitment to use education and research for advancing the realization of United Nations goals and for achieving global priorities like sustainable cities and communities, sustainable agriculture, efficient use of resources, limiting and adapting to climate change, and achieving health and wellbeing, while promoting inclusion and safeguarding human rights.
As a member of UNAI, the University of Thessaly is dedicated to embedding the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into every facet of its operation-from its academic curriculum to its infrastructure, administration, personal relationships, and research activities. The University’s ambition is not only to align with these global goals but to fully integrate them into its everyday life, creating a campus culture that lives and breathes sustainability, equity, and innovation.
The Rector of the University of Thessaly, Professor Charalambos Billinis and the Vice-Rector for Innovation, Internationalization, Collaborations and Digital Governance and Head of the Innovation-Technology Transfer Unit and Entrepreneurship Centre ‘One Planet Thessaly’, Professor Chrysi Laspidou, sought to join the UNAI initiative and have embraced the challenge of transforming these global goals into practical realities with tangible results. They recognize that Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals will be essential for fostering international collaboration and driving impactful global initiatives.
In his statement, the Rector, Professor Billinis, emphasized the University’s pride in this achievement:
“The University of Thessaly’s acceptance into the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) International Network is a tremendous honour. It reflects both our commitment to the internationalization of the university and our active involvement in addressing global challenges through scientific research. This achievement marks an important step in our strategic plan, further enhancing the institution's reputation on an international scale. I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to all those who contributed to making this goal a reality. This marks only the beginning of a series of activities at our university that support the SDGs and requires the collaboration of all members of our community”.
The SDGs will serve as a blueprint for the University's future, guiding its research priorities and actions. In terms of education, the University is focused on Goal 4: Quality Education, ensuring that students experience inclusive and equitable learning opportunities that prepare them for global challenges. Meanwhile, relevant goals for efficient resource use-Goal 2 (Food security and sustainable agriculture), Goal 6 (Sustainable management of Water and wastewater) and Goal 7 (Affordable and clean energy) emphasize the University’s role as the main knowledge provider to authorities, companies and citizens for informed policies and the green & digital transition. At the same time, Goal 11: Sustainable Cities & Communities and Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure will inform the University’s research and development projects, driving sustainable growth and innovation across its departments.
The University is also committed to promoting Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being, by fostering a healthy campus environment, promoting Public Health and One health and leading the digital transformation in the health sector, while prioritizing mental and physical well-being within both academic and administrative settings. Likewise, Goal 13: Climate Action is at the heart of the University's sustainability strategy, guiding initiatives to reduce the institution’s carbon footprint, renovate infrastructure, raise awareness on climate adaptation measures, attract green funding and develop financial pathways for green projects, work with local and regional stakeholders to build capacities for disaster response, and incorporate green and sustainable practices across all aspects of campus life. The University of Thessaly already leads global initiatives on vulnerability to the climate crisis and through the UNAI initiative, it will lead the discussion on how to achieve societal resilience in the coming years.
Beyond infrastructure and academics, the University of Thessaly aims to create a vibrant, socially responsible community that mirrors the values of the SDGs in personal relationships and interactions. Goal 5: Gender Equality and Goal 10: Reduced Inequality will be key focal points, as the University continues to empower women and marginalized groups within its academic community and ensure equality in all its operations, while continuing to lead initiatives on Special Education and fostering inclusion on all aspects of academic life.
This distinction underscores the University of Thessaly’s determination to weave the SDGs into the fabric of its institution-ensuring that these global goals guide not only its academic research but also its daily operations and community relations. As a member of UNAI, the University of Thessaly is taking meaningful steps to become a leader in sustainability, education, and social responsibility, advancing both local and global priorities. By embedding the Sustainable Development Goals into its everyday life, the University seeks to inspire lasting change and contribute to a more equitable, peaceful, and sustainable future for all.
