During a one-day conference, students, teachers, researchers and other higher education professionals are invited to explore how we can take responsibility for, and be inspired by, the Sustainable Development Goals in our educational programs, research, and collaboration with society.

Well into the 21st century, we realize that human activity is pushing the world towards its very limits. This compels us to better understand how health and social sustainability are coupled to the climate and economy, and demands that we think and act knowledgeably, critically and ethically, across disciplines and sectors.

Therefore we must take a fresh look at higher education. UN’s Agenda 2030, with its 17 Sustainable Development Goals, is an excellent point of departure. These goals underscore our collective responsibility and inspire us to envision a new role for universities in achieving better health and wellbeing for all.

The conference is organized by Karolinska Institutet in collaboration with the University of Gothenburg, Chalmers University of Technology, and the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.

I look forward to seeing you at Aula Medica,

Ole Petter Ottersen, President of Karolinska Institutet