The USRN Executive Development Workshop 2025, hosted by UNSW Sydney on 29 October 2025, brought together leaders and academics from across the University Social Responsibility Network (USRN) for a dynamic day of learning, collaboration, and strategic exchange. Under the theme “Advancing the SDGs: Sustainable Future and Progress for All,” the workshop focused on innovative approaches to embedding the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into university strategy, campus life, and community engagement.
Reflecting on the significance of the event, Professor Ben Young, Chair of the USRN Executive Committee and Vice President (Student and Global Affairs) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, remarked, “The USRN Executive Development Workshop continues to be a vital platform for sharing best practices, exchanging ideas, and strengthening our global community dedicated to university social responsibility.”
Delegates from seven member universities—UNSW Sydney, Ateneo de Manila University, Sichuan University, The University of Manchester, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, University of the Philippines, and VU Amsterdam—shared insights and strategies for advancing the SDGs and fostering global collaboration in an era of uncertainty. Sessions featured expert speakers from UNSW and USRN member institutions, with interactive discussions exploring the future of the SDGs beyond 2030, strategies for supporting communities affected by forced migration, and the development of socially engaged university initiatives.
The workshop’s alignment with UNSW’s new institutional strategy was highlighted by Professor Claire Annesley, Dean of UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture: “Hosting the USRN workshop during the launch year of our new UNSW Strategy: Progress for All is a wonderful opportunity. It reflects our shared commitment to social responsibility with people, communities and partners locally and around the world.”
Emphasising the importance of collaboration, Professor Verity Firth, UNSW Vice-President of Societal Impact, Equity and Engagement, added, “Alliances such as the USRN are increasingly critical for our sector as we evolve and develop new ways to fulfill our social responsibilities – how we engage with communities, how we find solutions to urgent challenges, how we bring our academic and student excellence to bear for real world impact.” The workshop concluded with the 8th USRN Executive Committee meeting, reaffirming the network’s commitment to partnership, innovation, and advancing the SDGs. USRN extends its sincere thanks to UNSW Sydney and all participating members for their active engagement and meaningful exchange, which contributed to the success and impact of this inspiring event.
