UNSW hosts global social responsibility network

Delegates from member universities shared strategies for advancing the UN SDGs and strengthening global collaboration

Universities from across the world came together at UNSW Sydney on 29 October 2025 for the University Social Responsibility Network (USRN) Professional Capacity Development Workshop.

The event marked both the 10th anniversary of the USRN and a milestone moment for UNSW, one of the network’s founding members and representative from the Oceania region.

The workshop brought together delegates from seven member universities to share strategies for advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and strengthening global collaboration in uncertain times.

“Hosting the USRN workshop during the launch year of our new UNSW Strategy: Progress for All is a wonderful opportunity,” said Professor Claire Annesley, Dean of UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture. “It reflects our shared commitment to social responsibility with people, communities and partners locally and around the world.”

UNSW Strategy: Progress for All reflects our ambition to create positive impact globally through transformative education, innovative research and genuine engagement. The workshop aligned strongly with several of the strategy’s nine pillars – including building global networks, enabling healthy lives and strengthening societal resilience – showcasing how universities can convene across sectors to drive meaningful change.

“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,” said Professor Verity Firth, UNSW Vice-President of Societal Impact, Equity and Engagement.

Speakers from UNSW and international partners explored practical ways to embed the SDGs in everyday university life, support colleagues from refugee backgrounds and engage communities in co-creating solutions. Participants also discussed how universities can embed social responsibility into new strategies and institutional cultures.

Associate Professor Fengshi Wu from the School of Social Sciences and UNSW’s representative on the USRN Executive Committee said, “This network reinforced the vital role universities play in sustaining international cooperation and shaping a more equitable, secure future for all.”

Find out more about the University Social Responsibility Network and the UNSW Strategy: Progress for All.

Image: Panel discussion on “The birth of a new university strategy: How to get everyone on board” from session 4 of the workshop featuring UNSW colleagues Jane Sloane, Director, Global Policy Initiative; Megan Donnelley, Societal Impact Evaluation Lead; Professor Andrew Lynch, Dean, Faculty of Law & Justice; and Vinita Chanan, Executive Director, Strategy Office.