Sustainable Development Goals

The 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a global plan for tackling the world’s biggest challenges, including climate change, environmental degradation, inequality, poverty and poor health.

These goals were adopted by UN member states in 2015 and call for collective action to help create a fairer, healthier and more sustainable future.

Cardiff University is a proud signatory of the Sustainable Development Goals Accord, showing our commitment to embedding the SDGs in our teaching, research, operations and partnerships. Through this work, we aim to make a positive difference locally, nationally and internationally.

Our contributions

Analysis of our research using Elsevier SciVal’s SDG Performance data shows that Cardiff University contributes strongly to many of the UN SDGs. SciVal looks at research from around the world and groups it according to the different SDGs, allowing us to see where our work is making the greatest impact.

Between 2020 to 2025, we have demonstrated particularly strong research activity in several SDGs, including:

• SDG 1 – No poverty
• SDG 5 – Gender equality
• SDG 13 – Climate action
• SDG 16 – Peace, justice and strong institutions

These SDGs represent the areas where Cardiff’s research activity is most above the global average, showing particular focus on equality, social justice, climate action and strengthening institutions.

Our activities

Our commitment to the SDGs is shown in our activities across all areas of the University. Find out more about some of our work supporting the SDGs.

Our summary reports

Our team

Our Environmental Sustainability team take the lead in submitting evidence to show how we meet each of the SDGs.