Universities for planetary health

The heartbeat of planetary health is flourishing communities. Universities have a defining role in building those communities.

The diaspora of university graduates can be found influencing and leading in every field of endeavour, in every corner of the globe. Our reach is vast and regenerative - every year another wave of graduates heads out into the world armed with the map that we have provided them – for good or for ill.

Our impact is deep, yet rarely do we think of ourselves as one community, as a global academic village. If activated, we are a community with the power to change the world.

‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world’. (Nelson Mandela)

Will we have the courage?

Imagine a world where every university graduate is inspired and equipped to make a difference to planetary health in their chosen field - not just in environmental science, but in engineering, in business, in healthcare, in law, art, in community development, in sport and in politics. Where they are also equipped to join with graduates from other disciplines, other communities, other cultures to dream new possibilities and design new futures, together.

Universities have a tradition of scholarship and discovery, of reflection and innovation. The universities of the future will also need to build new traditions of leadership in catalysing the power of individuals and communities to be better custodians of our planet. These are no longer optional ‘soft skills’, but essential expertise for the next generations. Universities create the workforce, and community leaders, of tomorrow. The future is in our hands.

Imagine a world where universities lead the way in planetary health – each committed to making a difference to the health and wellbeing of people, place and planet.

In this world, universities lead by example in creating a flourishing community where academic staff, professional staff and students share a common mission – to achieve the United Nation Sustainable Development Goal 4 – a quality education for all.

Together the global academic village creates a powerful frontline that stretches around the globe - together we are stronger.

Check out our ETHOS video to hear more about what is possible!