Education for the SDGs in the wider community

University of Galway has a vibrant global alumni community and many of our alumni continue to engage with the University through various initiatives designed to foster a sense of community, collaboration, and lifelong learning. One such initiative is the University of Galway’s flagship Alumni Magazine - Cois Coiribe.  Cois Coiribe celebrates the achievements of our graduates while at the same time highlights the University of Galway’s ongoing work to address key global challenges and progress the UN SDGs. The Summer 2025 In Focus edition of Cois Coiribe, had a strong sustainability and SDG-related focus, showcasing University research and impact across areas including climate action, sustainable energy, biodiversity, sustainable food systems, human rights and global justice. Through the work and perspectives of our researchers and alumni, the edition demonstrates how the University community is addressing interconnected global challenges and contributing to progress across the UN SDGs.

University of Galway hosts sustainability related awareness weeks, to educate and engage, students, staff and communities, on sustainability issues. For example, University of Galway Nelson Mandela Anti-Racism Week is designed to promote racial equality and actively engages and educates various segments of the University and wider community including alumni, local residences and displaced people. For example, Wear Red Day campaign is delivered in collaboration with the Immigrant Council of Ireland and is an opportunity for our communities to send out a strong message that we as communities’ welcome diversity, celebrate it, and take a stand against racism in all forms. The events delivered during Nelson Mandela anti-racism week in  2025 are designed to be deliberative and interactive, facilitating discussion, learning and engagement on a wide range of issues relevant to race, ethnicity, displacement and anti-racism. 

The University of Galway’s SDG Week educates, raises awareness, and actively engages both the university and local communities in driving progress toward the SDGs. Our SDG Week belongs to everyone and is open to all. We have hosted SDG Weeks in 2023, 2024, 2025. and 2026.

SDG Week 2025  included for example a series of workshops, talks and activities ranging from a Sustainability-themed Parkrun with over 200 runners,  a Community Climate Assembly, the raising of the third Green Flag and a guided walk along the University’s Biodiversity Trail.