The University of Auckland, recipient of the ICSB 2021 Entrepreneurship Education Excellence Award, has been appointed as the Chair of the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) Hub for Sustainable Development Goal 8. This prestigious role positions the University at the forefront of global initiatives to advance decent work and economic growth through higher education.
As part of the University, the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) at the Business School will play an active role. Darsel Keane (Director) and Naomi Bradshaw (Engagement Manager) from the CIE have joined the University’s steering group for the UNAI SDG 8 Hub, reinforcing Auckland’s commitment to sustainable impact and entrepreneurial leadership.
This prestigious appointment places the University of Auckland in a leadership role within a vast network of academic institutions working toward the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. The university will spearhead initiatives that leverage the power of higher education to address one of the world’s most pressing challenges: creating sustainable economic opportunities while ensuring fair and dignified work for all.
The appointment reflects the University of Auckland’s established expertise in areas crucial to SDG 8, including labor economics, business innovation, social policy, and research on sustainable development. Through this leadership role, the university will facilitate collaboration between academic institutions, governments, and industry partners to develop evidence-based solutions for economic and employment challenges.
The initiative presents a significant opportunity for the global academic community to make a meaningful contribution to sustainable development. By coordinating research efforts and sharing best practices across more than 1,700 participating universities worldwide, the Hub aims to accelerate progress toward achieving decent work and economic growth for all.
Key areas of focus will likely include research into emerging employment trends, the future of work in a digital economy, sustainable business practices, and policies that promote inclusive economic growth. The university’s role will also involve fostering innovation in education and training programs that prepare workers for the evolving job market.
This appointment underscores the University of Auckland’s commitment to addressing global challenges through academic excellence and international collaboration. As the world continues to grapple with economic inequality, technological disruption, and the need for sustainable development, the university’s leadership in this UN initiative positions it to make a meaningful contribution to creating a more equitable and prosperous future for all.