SDG Bergen: a strategic initiative

SDG Bergen is a strategic initiative at the University of Bergen (UiB) to engage critically with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Initiated by Rector Dag Rune Olsen and the UiB Rectorate, SDG Bergen has contributed to positioning UiB as the premier SDG-oriented university in Norway. UiB's Vice-Rector Annelin Eriksen is the leader of SDG Bergen.

In the inaugural 2019 Times Higher Education (THE) University Impact Rankings, based on the SDGs, UiB was the only Norwegian university to be ranked. UiB was ranked number 53 in the world for its social and economic impact.

UiB has taken national leadership on the SDGs through its leadership in the National Committee for the 2030 Agenda in Norway's university sector and as host of the annual National SDG Conference Bergen, which was first held in February 2018.

Internationally, UiB has made its mark across the 17 SDGs, with particular emphasis on SDG17: Partnerships for the Goals and SDG14: Life below water. In October 2018, UiB was announced as official SDG14 Hub for United Nations Academic Impact. In November 2018, UiB was made SDG14 Cluster leader for the International Association of Universities. The research centre Ocean Sustainability Bergen (OSB) handles the practicalities surrounding UiB's SDG 14 roles.

Through SDG Bergen Science Advice, UiB wants to establish an annual presence at the UN High-level Political Forum and to provide science advice to the UN system, international organisations and national governments. By partaking in science diplomacy, academia can contribute to better informed decision-making.

In the magazine, the SDG Bergen initiative was presented with four selected articles and a world map indicating highlights in the SDG Bergen activities in the past 12 months.