Session 2 - April 28, 2026
During the second session, participating institutions examined how the role of higher education institutions (HEIs) is evolving in response to declining multilateralism, shifting funding landscapes, and increasing geopolitical instability. Discussions focused on the future of the SDG agenda beyond 2030, with particular attention to collaboration, knowledge production, and institutional transformation. Participants explored how universities can move beyond traditional roles to foster more equitable partnerships, strengthen community engagement, and contribute to more inclusive and context-driven approaches to sustainable development.
Geographic Distribution of Attendees by Country – Conversations that Matter, April 28, 2026
Summary of Session 2
A Changing Global Context
Participants emphasized that sustainable development is being reshaped by broader systemic shifts, including reduced international funding, political fragmentation, and declining trust in global institutions. These conditions are creating both constraints and opportunities for how the SDGs are pursued moving forward.
Evolving Role of HEIs
Universities were identified as critical actors, but ones that must adapt. There was a strong emphasis on moving from extractive models of research toward more collaborative, co-designed approaches that prioritize community engagement and equitable partnerships.
Key Challenges Identified
- Declining global funding and fragile research ecosystems
- Precarious conditions within higher education systems
- Persistent Global North dominance in knowledge production
- Weak alignment between global frameworks and local realities
- Short-term prioritization limiting long-term systems change
Priorities for the Post-2030 Agenda
- Reframing the SDGs to better reflect equity, justice, and diverse knowledge systems
- Strengthening South-to-South and regional collaboration
- Building resilient, long-term systems in health, education, and governance
- Increasing public engagement and awareness of sustainable development
Approaches to Strengthen Collaboration
- Developing more flexible and equitable funding models
- Supporting interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research
- Expanding student engagement and experiential learning opportunities
- Prioritizing long-term, trust-based partnerships across institutions and communities
Key Takeaways from Panels and Breakout Discussions
- Universities must shift from being knowledge producers to facilitators and partners
- Collaboration requires rebalancing power and recognizing multiple ways of knowing
- Effective SDG implementation depends on aligning global goals with local contexts
- The post-2030 agenda will require systemic transformation rather than incremental change
To view the full “Conversations that Matter” report from the second session, including all discussion details, please click the link below: