Driving progress. Delivering change.

Significant progress has been made globally to increase the prosperity of nations. A prosperous society hinges on our collective commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) designed to address the world’s most urgent challenges. By prioritising sustainable development, communities can unlock opportunities for innovation, eradicate poverty, safeguard the planet, and build resilient communities that thrive across generations. Increased prosperity is characterised by significant increases in economic output, largely driven by technological progress, productivity gains, and capital accumulation. However, it often leads to overconsumption of natural resources and environmental degradation and contributes to climate change, while industrialisation and urbanisation can exacerbate social inequalities, with benefits of growth unevenly distributed across populations.

The SDGs aim to promote inclusive economic growth and sustainable development to ensure “that all human beings can enjoy a prosperous and fulfilling life and that economic, social and technological progress occurs in harmony with nature”. This paves the way for a world where every individual has the chance to live with dignity, security, and with hope for current and future generations. Access to good quality education is critical for ensuring prosperity and quality of life because it equips individuals with essential skills, knowledge, and competencies needed to participate fully in the economy and society. Education enhances critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and technical expertise, all of which improve productivity and innovation at both individual and national levels.

The research of Prof Arno van Niekerk and Profs Francois Strydom and Rajab Matamanda are illustrative examples of the contribution of the University of the Free State to progress with the attainment of higher levels of prosperity and progress in harmony with nature.