The University of the Free State shapes sustainable futures through research that integrates innovation, responsibility, and real-world impact.
The concept of sustainable development can be interpreted in many different ways, but its origin can be traced back to 1987, to the definition included in the UN World Commission on Environment and Development report ‘Our Common Future’, and it is fitting to be reminded of it. Sustainable development was defined as “a development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”. At its core it is an approach to development that looks to balance different, and often competing, needs against an awareness of the environmental, social and economic limitations we face as a society.
The research and scholarship undertaken by the University of the Free State responds to many of the national, continental and global aspirations, goals and challenges identified to advance global sustainable development. These are contained in the United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the African Union’s (AU) Agenda 2063, and the South African National Development Plan 2030 (NDP).
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all UN Member States in 2015, provides a shared framework to work towards peace and prosperity for people and the planet. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a universal call to action to preserve our planet and improve the lives of everyone, everywhere, in an inclusive and sustainable way, captured in the motto “No one left behind”. They highlight the connections between the environmental, social and economic aspects of sustainable development.
The AU Agenda 2063, signed in May 2013, provided a strategic framework for guiding Africa’s development in the next 50 years, and aims to deliver on its goal for inclusive and sustainable development. Agenda 2063 presents a set of seven Aspirations with their own set of goals. These Aspirations speak to (1) a prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development; (2) an integrated continent, politically united and based on the ideals of Pan Africanism and the vision of Africa’s Renaissance; (3) an Africa of good governance, democracy, respect for human rights justice, and the rule of law; (4) a peaceful and secure Africa; (5) an Africa with a strong cultural identity, common heritage, values and ethics; (6) an Africa where development is people-driven, unleashing the potential of its women and youth; and (7) Africa as a strong, united and influential global player and partner.
Closer to home, the South African NDP (Vision 2030) has similar goals and aspirations. It aims to eliminate poverty and reduce inequality by 2030, and sets out ambitious goals for poverty reduction, economic growth, economic transformation and job creation. Adopted by Cabinet in 2012, the plan states that “South Africa can realise these goals by drawing on the energies of its people, growing an inclusive economy, building capabilities, enhancing the capacity of the state, and promoting leadership and partnerships throughout society.” It is structured around a number of priority outcomes: education, health, safety and security, economic growth and employment, skills development, infrastructure, rural development, human settlements, local government, environment, international relations, an affective public sector, social protection, nation building and social cohesion.
There is thus a high level of convergence between the call to action outlined in the UN Agenda 2030, AU Agenda and 2063, and the South African NDP.
Higher education is clearly relevant to achieving these goals and in so doing contributes to the public good. Research should play a pivotal role in achieving these aims by providing stakeholders and policymakers with the knowledge to meet these goals by producing a trustworthy base of knowledge and data, proposing innovative solutions, assessing progress made, and providing perspectives for the various plans. These important frameworks have in turn invigorated academic debate and production on sustainable development related issues.
The University of the Free State (UFS) has answered these calls and taken up the challenge. This is clearly expressed in Vision 130 – which sets out the university’s strategic intent towards 2034 committing the university to be acknowledged as a university that impactfully supports societal development. Aspiring for maximum societal impact is thus a defining characteristic of the University, resonating deeply with the goals of the SDGs, the AU Agenda 2063 and the NDP.
‘Regionally engaged’ reflects the university’s intent to ensure that its knowledge contributes to the development of the province, the country, and the African Continent, while ‘research-led’ emphasises the parity between research, teaching, and learning for impact. ‘Globally competitive’ refers to excellence and the intent to produce knowledge and graduates that make on impact on global and local platforms. The following sections describe just some of the projects and initiatives currently active in the UFS which make a significant contribution to the SDGs.
