SDG3 Cluster 2025 Summary Report
2030 Agenda: SDG 3 Good health and well-being
The International Association of Universities (IAU) SDG3 cluster on Health and Wellbeing, Universities for Good Health, is an open network of higher education institutions spanning five continents, spearheaded by Western Sydney University’s Global Challenge Leads (Fostering Healthy Communities).
As part of the Global Cluster on Higher Education and Research for Sustainable Development (HESD) hosted by the IAU, it aims to be a champion for higher education and promote an integrated approach to health, in support of equity and wellbeing worldwide, in line with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda.
Mission
The SDG3 cluster is a global open knowledge network that champions an inclusive, multi-disciplinary and action-focused approach to university teaching and research in health sciences.
Vision
The SDG3 Cluster on health and wellbeing aspires to leverage university members’ commitment, passion, unique strengths, resources and networks as a higher education champion for an integrated approach to health in support of equity and wellbeing worldwide.
Priorities
Bridging the knowledge/policy gap by informing policy dialogues on the cluster priorities related to the SDGs.
Promoting the consideration of local needs and voices in university research, teaching and public policy.
Encouraging the inclusion of the concepts of equity and integrated, patient-centred approaches to health in university curricula. Encouraging the inclusion of the concepts of equity and integrated, patient-centred approaches to health in university curricula.
Harnessing the power of online working and e-health methodologies and tools to encourage learning, and leverage knowledge and resources across the network.
Promoting informed academic research and policymaking by all relevant stakeholders.
Fomenting cross-sector collaboration and a systematic approach to advancing SDG3.
Activities
Knowledge dissemination
Strengthen research activity and the knowledge base, participation in conferences, forums and outreach journals related to the field of activity
Research and innovation
Carry out research and development projects with the collaboration of master's degree and doctoral students and of professionals with an interest in scientific output.
Aims
The SDG 3 cluster aims to contribute to:
- The healthcare workforce has a better understanding of integrated health and wellbeing and patient-centred service.
- Academic research related to health and wellbeing is more widely accessible and can be put into practice.
- Higher education teaching integrates student-centred and active learning approaches as key aspects in advancing their education and future impact on the world.
- The development and dissemination of knowledge draws on and benefits the local community.
- Higher education now has a voice in global governance in relation to public health, and in particular, SDG3.
- Systematic thinking and cross-sector collaboration has been integrated in the way healthcare is planned, taught and delivered.
Areas of Activity
- Health promotion
- Higher education and competencies of health professionals
- Public policies
- Technology and health
- Sustainable development
Team Members
- Professor W. Kathy Tannous, Professor in Economics and Finance (School of Business) and Global Challenge Lead (Fostering Healthy Communities)
- Dr Rocco Cavaleri, Senior Lecturer in Physiotherapy (School of Health Sciences) and Global Challenge Lead (Fostering Healthy Communities)
- Dr Deep Jyoti Bhuyan, Senior Research Fellow (NICM Health Research Institute) and Global Challenge Lead (Fostering Healthy Communities)
